How To Estimate Injection Molding Cost
The short answer: plastic injection molds cost anywhere between $100 for a 3D printed low-volume injection mold to $100,000+ for a complex multi-cavity steel mold for high-volume production, which generally represents the most significant fixed start-up cost in injection molding. However, as these costs get distributed among hundreds or thousands of parts, injection molding is an ideal process to mass-produce plastic parts affordably.
In this guide, we provide an extensive breakdown of the different factors that make up the total injection molding cost.
Low-Volume Rapid Injection Molding With 3D Printed Molds
Ferromatik Milacron Magna Vm 550/4800 Injection Moulding Machine
This Spanish seller is offering a Magn VM model from 2000. As you can see on the product page, a lot of technical information has been provided such as the number of hours of operation, the type of robot, and even if the instruction book is available . Feel free to read the page and know more about all the specifications and benefits this Ferromatil machine can bring to your business. The price is 42,500 .
Ferromatik Milacron Magna VM 550/4800 Injection moulding machine available now on Exapro
Specifications
At Exapro, we always encourage our sellers to showcase their machine with pictures but also videos. If you dont know yet how to create a great video to increase your chances of selling, read our article How to film product video. All the videos are also published on the Exapro YouTube channel. Right below, the seller shows that the machine is working and is in good condition. Its a real plus to increase his/her chances of selling.
A Brief History Of Injection Molding Machines
The history of injection moulding machine for plastic parts is quite long. Plastic injection moulding machines have been around for a long time. First invented back in 1872 by Isaiah and John Hyatt . These first machines would have been used to mould buttons, combs and billiard balls. The initial molding machine was very basic. These machines were essentially a piston ram inside a heated barrel. However, the moulding machine evolved a lot during the 1930s and post WW2. The invention of the current screw & check ring by James Watson Hendry, allowed for greater control over the injection process.
The Injection molding cycle is quite straight forward. The moulding machines are used to perform the following steps within the molding cycle
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Other Variables That Impact The Injection Mold Cost
Part Variables
The size and design of the part will considerably affect the cost. Large injection molded parts require greater material costs and larger molds. Similarly, complex designs may require a multi-step molding process.
Part Features
The features of the final product also impact the injection mold cost. If the product has complex features, these might require small components made by a separate injection molding process. One way to lower costs is to eliminate unnecessary features during the design stage.
Production Volume
You might have seen that manufacturing costs per part become less when the production takes place in large quantities. The same idea holds true for injection molding as well.
When you are fulfilling a large production volume, you will require a corresponding large number of molds. However, the cost of the molds does not increase linearly. For example, if the cost of a mold is $1 per part for 100 parts, the cost for 5000 parts can be about $0.5 per part, and for 100,000 molds it can be $0.25 per part.
Similarly, the labor costs per part also decrease for larger production volumes. While the final cost of production increases for higher production volumes, you will incur significantly lower per part expenses.
Secondary Services
What To Look For In Used Injection Moulding Machines For Sale
No matter what kind of plastics processing equipment you are looking for, there are certain processes and criteria you can follow and set in order to make sure your purchase is successful. Ask yourself these two questions first.
- What current deficiencies do you want the used plastic injection moulding machine to solve or fill?
- What do you need the additional machine to do? In other words, what size molds will you need the machine to produce? What kind of pressure will be necessary?
Other questions to consider before looking at plastic injection molding machines for sale are what materials/viscosity the machine will need to handle, the total number of parts you need the machine to produce, and the ejector rod spacing you will need.
Once you have determined the day-to-day basics you need a plastic injection molding machine to fulfill, it is time to consider what options or accessories youd like the new addition to your inventory to have. Are you seeking specific hydraulic or air functions? Do you want a robotic interface?
Knowing what you need and want when looking at used plastic injection moulding machines for sale will enable you to make 1:1 price comparisons and select the option that is best for your shop.
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Plastic Injection Molding Price Guide
As a full-service plastic injection molding company that manufactures molds from conception to completion, pricing for each job we fulfill can vary dramatically.
But we know injection molding cost estimates are critical to any successful project.
Thats why weve put together the following price guide to help you budget for your mold. The injection molding cost examples are categorized by type , and degree of difficulty .
Variables That Impact The Injection Mold Cost
Tooling costs for injection molding are very high and depend on a number of parameters and design complexity. Molds for injection molding are normally CNC machined out of aluminum or tool steel, EDM machined to shape a workpiece, or 3D printed. The machined or printed part is then finished to achieve the desired standard. The finished mold consists of features such as the surface geometries needed for a part, a runner system to guide the flow of injected materials, and cooling channels to ensure the mold cools down quickly.
It is important to note that a majority of the injection molding process is dedicated to cooling. The quicker a mold cools down the faster the injected material solidifies and the faster the production cycle can be repeated. Thus, cooling channels play an important role, especially for high-volume production, and should be included in the design of the mold. For low-volume production with 3D printed molds, manual cooling using compressed air is an option.
A 3D printed injection mold core assembled with a metal mold shell.
Other variables that impact the injection molding process and directly relate to the injection mold costs include:
SLS 3D Printing vs. Injection Molding: When to Replace Molded Parts With 3D Printing?
This white paper showcases the cost-dynamics for real-life use cases, and presents guidelines for using SLS 3D printing, injection molding, or both.
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How Much Do Used Plastic Injection Molding Machines Cost
As is the case with so much in the world, there is no single answer to this seemingly simple question. Even where new equipment is concerned, there is not necessarily price uniformity. Large machines can cost anywhere between $50,000-$200,000, but sometimes a smaller machine may cost $100,000 because of its quality and/or capabilities. The same holds true for used machinery. If anything, pricing may be less uniform because so much depends on condition, the warranty, shipping, and more. Nonetheless, it is important to have a budget figure in mind when looking for a plastic injection machine for sale. How can you match up your budget with the right piece of used plastics processing equipment? Here are a few things to consider.
Job Description For Injection Molding Machine Operator Ii
Injection Molding Machine Operator II sets up and operates injection molding machinery to shape plastics. Reads and interprets blueprints and diagrams to select, position, and secure machinery. Being an Injection Molding Machine Operator II adjusts machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to specifications, and in a timely fashion. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Additionally, Injection Molding Machine Operator II requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Injection Molding Machine Operator II works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be an Injection Molding Machine Operator II typically requires 1-3 years of related experience, or may need 0 years of experience with additional specialized training and/or certification. … View full job description
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Factors Related To Injection Mold Cost
Typically, the cost of the mold, also referred to as the tooling cost, is the major cost driver in injection molding. Lets take a look at some of the elements that influence the price of an injection mold.
Mold manufacturer location: This was also mentioned while researching how mold size may affect your total injection molding expenses. To have your mold wherever it needs to go, an off-site plastic injection mold maker will charge you extra for shipping and handling.
How Can I Reduce Injection Molding Prices
The final price of any mold is dependent on how complex the project is and the length of time it takes to manufacture it. Potential strategies for lowering the price include the following:
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Inspect the CAD model to gain an idea of how realistic the project is before beginning. Any complex measurements and angles should be eliminated.
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Eliminate any unneeded characteristics. This cuts down on the size of the mold and the materials required during development.
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Simplify the design of side B. This process includes collapsing the external cavities into the base, which reduces the need for sharp angles. Additionally, this will also significantly improve the finish of the surface.
Normally injection molding is seen as a process thatâs only suited for large-scale production projects. However, using 3D printers allows you to take advantage of this process if your production needs arenât as sizeable.
Regardless of whether you need hundreds of parts or thousands, injection molding is an efficient way of producing quickly replicated parts with a high-quality finish.
Interested in injection molding, rotocasting, or 3D printing for your product? Request a 24-hour quote today submit your STEP files through our contact form , and an engineer be in touch with you. Donât worry your files are safe with us we also offer you the ability to sign a mutual NDA prior to your submission.
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How To Choose A Plastic Injection Moulding Machine
The plastic injection moulding machines, have several parameters, the most important of which include:
- Maximum Injection Pressure
- Spindle Diameter
- Injection Capacity
- Minimum Mould Thickness
- Maximum Mould Opening
- Space between Adjustment Bars
The size specification of the injection moulding machine is determined by the closing force required, depending on the working conditions and the workpiece material. This, in turn, depends on the projected cavity area and the maximum pressure in the injection mould during filling. The projected cavity area is influenced by the area of the part and the feeding system.Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator
The closing force is the force that holds the two mould halves together while the maximum pressure develops in the mould cavity as a result of filling. Although the pressure in the mould cavity is lower than the injection pressure, a high force is still developed on the two mould halves by the product of the pressure of the mould cavity and the projected area of the mould. This force has to be counteracted by the clamping force to ensure that the mould remains closed during injection and to prevent burr formation. Excessive clamping force can damage both mould halves.Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator
Frequently Asked Questions :
What are the factors influencing the growth of the injection molding machine market?
Increasing demand from the automotive and healthcare industry
What are the different types of major end-use industries of the injection molding machine market?
It is classified as automotive, consumer goods, packaging, healthcare, electrical & electronics, and others
What is the biggest Restraint for the injection molding machine market?
High initial and maintenance cost of machines
What are the major challenges for the injection molding machine market?
Less economical for small production capacities
Who was the major exporter for the injection molding machines in 2021?
Chia was the major exporter for injection molding machines in 2021 followed by Japan, Germany and South Korea. .
To speak to our analyst for a discussion on the above findings, click Speak to Analyst
1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 STUDY OBJECTIVES 1.2.1 INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE MARKET: INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS 1.2.2 INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE: MARKET DEFINITION AND INCLUSIONS, BY PRODUCT TYPE 1.2.3 INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE: MARKET DEFINITION AND INCLUSIONS, BY MACHINE TYPE 1.2.4 INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE: MARKET DEFINITION AND INCLUSIONS, BY CLAMPING FORCE 1.2.5 INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE: MARKET DEFINITION AND INCLUSIONS, BY END-USE INDUSTRY 1.3 MARKET SCOPE FIGURE 1 INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE MARKET SEGMENTATION 1.3.1 REGIONS COVERED
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How To Pick A Plastic Injection Molding Machine To Fit Your Needs
Having a machine that can create a mass amount of identical plastic parts can be essential in many businesses. Plastic injection molding machines were made to be both versatile and efficient when it comes to mass production of plastic parts. To find a new, used, or pre-owned injection molding machine for sale, go and check out eBay for a large selection.
What types of plastic injection molding machine mounts are there?
Different machine types can fit in different spaces. Depending on your space requirements, there is a machine for you. The desktop injection molding machines are small injection molding machines and will fit on top of a desk. It is better for smaller spaces and smaller runs of molds. The benchtop injection molding machine is a large stand-alone machine that needs more space to function but can do larger runs.
Types of injection processes
Different types of injection machines have different processes. You will want to find out what process will work better with your molding needs. The process choices include:
What types of plastics can be used in these machines?
There are a ton of different plastics that can be used in the injection machines. Different plastics have different benefits, such as impact or moisture resistance and how well metal coatings adhere to the plastic. When choosing a plastic to work with, make sure its properties fit your needs. Some of the more common plastic types include:
Type Of Injection Molds
There are three different types of injection molds, based on the number of mold cavities. These are:
Single Cavity Mold
Single cavity molds have one cavity inside. So they make one part per cycle time. While the cost of the mold is less, the production rate of parts is slower. This leads to higher part costs.
Multi Cavity Molds
Multi cavity molds have multiple cavities inside, so they can make more than one part simultaneously. Although this type of mold has a higher initial cost, it leads to significantly lower part costs. It is a cost-effective solution for large quantities.
Family Injection Molds
Family injection molds also have multiple cavities inside them. However, the part cavities are for different parts, so a family mold can simultaneously create different shapes of injection molded parts.
For example, you can manufacture the top and bottom ends for a plastic container in a single-family cavity injection mold. This type of mold cavitation is a more expensive option in terms of mold cost. But they make the overall production process faster and cheaper.
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What You Need To Know About Injection Molding Machine For Plastic
There are so many different types and sizes of presses that it is almost like going shopping for a car. You really should list what you need from the machine first, than start narrowing down the selection. The first thing you should know about injection molding machines is that you need to have some idea as to what kind of material and parts you want to mould before buying the press.
Just like if you wanted a cheap car you might buy an older small second-hand car, or if you wanted to pull a large load you might buy a jeep. It is the same for injection moulding machines. You should choose the horse for the course, as they say. So having an idea as to what type of parts you need to run in the press is key, and getting very specific on the details here will help you choose the right machine for your molds.
How to specify the right injection molding machine for plastic.
Injection molding machines are usually specified on the clamping force and their shot size. This is like specify the car engine size and how many people it can carry. Sorry if I am overdoing it on the car references, however, I think you get the picture. The clamping force and shot size are just two of many specifications you should be considering when buying a new injection molding machine for plastic molding.
How much clamping pressure does your part need?
Plastic resin used:
The project area of the part:
The number of parts:
The project area of the runner system.
Introduction: How Much Does Injection Molding Cost
Injection molding is one of the leading processes for manufacturing plastics. It is widely used for mass-producing identical parts with tight tolerances. It is a cost-effective and extremely repeatable technology that yields high-quality parts for large series production.
It is a fast, intensive process where high heat and pressure are involved to inject molten material inside a mold. The molten material depends on the scope of the manufacturing project. The most popular materials are various thermoplastics, such as ABS, PS, PE, PC, PP, or TPU, but metals and ceramics can be injection molded as well. The mold consists of a cavity that accommodates the injected molten material and is designed to closely mirror the final features of a part.
Normally, the main cost driver in injection molding is the cost of the mold, also known as the tooling cost. The cost of designing and building a mold depends on the required production volume, the complexity of the part design, mold material, and the process used to create the mold.
In this video, we’ve partnered with injection molding service provider Multiplus to walk you through the steps of the injection molding process using 3D printed molds.
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