Low-volume injection molding is a good way to save cost for design validation before mass production, however, How much does low-volume injection molding Cost? This is a critical question when deciding on a low-volume injection molding project and getting the right budget before spending the money.
This article explains everything about injection molding costs and the general cost of a low-volume injection molding project. and we will also share some good tips about how to reduce injection molding costs. let us go for it.
Factors of Costs in Low-volume Injection Molding
Generally, the low-volume injection molding cost varies for different parts and applications. it ranges from Hundreds to thousands. Here we explain all the factors that impact the price of injection molding parts.
Injection Tooling cost
Generally, the Cost of rapid soft tooling for low-volume injection molding is around $200 – $2,000, however, this is based on the assumption of simple plastic parts. if for complex parts, tooling structures will be complex too with lifter and slides which will increase the rapid tooling cost. and rapid tooling usually uses aluminum or soft steel as tooling material which is cheap compared to hard steel.
Injection Molding process cost
hourly rate of the machine
According to the size of the plastic parts, a proper injection machine will be used for injecting the plastic parts. the bigger the injection machines, the higher the cost will be by using the injection machine. once the injection machine is chosen, the manufacturer can get an Hourly rate for the injection machines. the more expensive the injection machines, the higher machine hourly rate will be.
Cycle time
Cycle time is the time used for injecting the plastic parts, the more simple and easy plastic parts, the less cycle time will be used. it is related to the injection machine, material, part geometry, cooling system, and time setting.
Labor cost
Labor cost is calculated according to the labor salary and the headcount used for the injection molding operations. there is also an hourly rate for the labor, and time spent on the operation must be considered.
In summary, the Injection Molding process cost=Machine hourly rate*Cycle time+labor cost. Generally, for a simple plastic part, the injection molding process costs around $200 – $2000.
Injection molding part material cost
The material cost of plastic parts consists of all the materials used for the injection molding process, including the plastic part itself including the injection gate, and also the material used for injection in the runner of tooling.
Material costs vary according to the grade used for injection, here we put a list to show the common injection molding material cost.
| Material | Estimated Cost (USD/kg) |
| Polycarbonate | 3.00 – 6.50 |
| Acrylic | 2.50 – 4.00 |
| Polypropylene (PP) | 1.50 – 3.50 |
| ABS | 2.00 – 4.50 |
| Nylon | 2.80 – 5.00 |
| Polyethylene (PE) | 1.20 – 2.50 |
| Polyoxymethylene (POM) | 2.50 – 4.50 |
| Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) | 3.00 – 6.00 |
In summary, Injection molding part material cost=Material cost(kg)*part material weight. Generally, for a small and simple part, the total material cost for all production volume(100-1000 pieces) is around $100 – $1000.
logistic cost
logistic costs consist of shipping costs and packing costs, it is important especially when shipping overseas by air, the cost is high. Generally, it is around $0.5 per part for a small size.
How Is Injection Molding Parts Cost Calculated?
After knowing all the factors above, injection molding costs per part can be estimated based on the hourly rate divided by the number of parts molded per hour and we can conclude as below:
Part unit cost=material cost+processing cost+tooling cost amortized+Packing and logistic cost.
however, this is only cost without margin considered, each manufacturer has a different strategy on the margin which could be discussed based on the production volume.
Low volume Injection Mold Cost Overview
Low-volume plastic molding includes the production of parts between a hundred and a couple of thousand. On average, the low-volume injection molding cost for small and simple parts is around $500 – $5,000 in total including tooling cost and injection molded part cost. For example, let’s assume the following conditions for a 100 – 1000 parts run:
- Number of parts: 100 – 1,000
- Cost of the tooling: $200 – $2,000
- Total Cost of Materials: $100 – $1000
- Total Cost of Injection process: $200 – $2000
- Total Cost of Injection molded Parts: $500 – $5000
- Logistic cost per part: $0.5
- final Cost per Part: $5.5
Tips for Reducing Low Volume Injection Molding Cost?
Here are some tips for you according to our many years of experience:
- 1. Simplify part and Tooling Design
- 2. Reusing Molds if possible
- 2. Choose low-cost raw materials
- 3. Purchasing raw materials in bulk
- 4. Use Recycling materials
- 5. Improve production efficiency
- 6. Choose Insert Molding if two color part
Conclusion
Understanding injection molding cost and its calculation method helps significantly optimize the manufacturing process. This article has discussed the different factors you must understand to know about the costs of injection molding and how to utilize it. KUSLA is the right partner for you when you need prototype injection molding services, We offer quality and cost-effective rapid tooling and injection molded parts that meet your requirements.
