Alexei Volkov
Injection moulding is one of the most common ways to manufacture custom plastic parts, but it can be expensive, especially for small production runs. The cost of the moulds can be a few cents per part at quantity and less than $1 per part at lots of 2000. However, the cost of injection moulding increases with the complexity of the design, and certain geometries and shapes can't be achieved through this method. Thermoforming is a more affordable alternative, as it utilises less complex moulds, which are faster and cheaper to produce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | A few cents per part at quantity and less than $1 per part at lots of 2000 |
| Cost factors | The number of cavities in the mould, the complexity of the design, the number of parts that need to be made and then fabricated together |
| Cost-saving methods | Thermoforming, which uses less complex moulds that are faster to produce and more affordable |
What You'll Learn
Injection moulding costs
For small to medium-sized production runs, injection moulding can be a cost-effective option, with costs as low as a few cents per part for quantities of 2000 or more. However, for smaller production runs, the cost per part can be higher, especially when custom-built, high-cost moulds are required.
The number of cavities in the mould also impacts the cost per part. As the number of cavities increases, the injection moulding cost per part decreases. This is because the cycle time, or the time required to complete all stages of the injection moulding process, is reduced with more cavities.
The complexity of the design can also affect injection moulding costs. A complex injection mould is more costly and increases the risk of part failure. Certain geometries and shapes cannot be achieved through injection moulding, requiring multiple parts to be fabricated together, which increases costs and lead times.
To reduce injection moulding costs, some companies may utilise alternative methods such as thermoforming, which uses less complex and more affordable moulds. Thermoforming is ideal for smaller batches of custom parts, offering faster turnaround times and lower tooling costs compared to traditional methods like injection moulding.
The Toxic Truth: Chemicals in Plastic Exposed
You may want to see also
Thermoforming costs
Thermoforming is a cost-effective method of manufacturing custom plastic parts. It is a process that utilises less complex moulds, which are faster to produce and more affordable than those used in traditional methods such as injection moulding. This makes thermoforming ideal for companies that require smaller batches of custom parts, as it offers high efficiency in terms of both time and cost.
The tooling costs associated with thermoforming are significantly lower than those of other methods. This is because thermoforming moulds are simpler and require less setup, meaning production can begin quickly. Thermoforming is also a good choice for producing custom plastic parts in smaller quantities, as it offers substantial cost savings, particularly when it comes to tooling.
In contrast, injection moulding requires custom-built, high-cost moulds that can drive up the total price, especially for small production runs. The cost of injection moulding can be a few cents per part for quantities of 2,000 or more, but this increases for smaller batches. The number of cavities in the mould also affects the cost per part, with a higher number of cavities resulting in a lower cost.
The complexity of a design can also impact the cost of custom plastic parts. A complex injection mould is more expensive and increases the risk of part failure. Certain geometries and shapes cannot be achieved through injection moulding, requiring multiple parts to be made and fabricated together, which increases costs and lead times.
New Plastic £5 Notes: Worth More Than You Think
You may want to see also
Cost per part
The cost of custom plastic parts depends on a number of factors, including the manufacturing process, the number of parts being produced, the complexity of the design, and the number of cavities in the mold.
One of the most affordable ways to produce custom plastic parts is through thermoforming. Thermoforming uses less complex and more affordable molds than traditional methods like injection moulding, making it a good option for smaller batches of custom parts. The tooling costs associated with thermoforming are also lower, which can result in significant cost savings. For example, Advanced Plastiform, Inc. offers affordable custom plastic solutions with low tooling costs, fast turnaround times, and exceptional design support.
Injection moulding, on the other hand, can be more expensive, especially for small production runs. This is because injection moulding requires custom-built, high-cost molds. However, once you invest in the molds, the cost per part can be just a few cents, and less than $1 per part for lots of 2000. The cost of injection moulding also decreases as the number of cavities in the mold increases.
The complexity of the design can also impact the cost of custom plastic parts. A complex injection mold is more costly and increases the risk of part failure. Certain geometries and shapes cannot be achieved through injection moulding, and multiple parts must be made and then fabricated together, increasing costs and lead times. CNC machining, particularly CNC milling, can be a more cost-effective option for producing parts with complex geometries and superior surface finishes.
Plastic Anchors: How Much Weight Can They Withstand?
You may want to see also
Cost of plastic
The cost of custom plastic parts depends on the manufacturing process used, the complexity of the design, and the number of parts required. Injection moulding is a common method of manufacturing plastic parts, but it can be expensive, particularly for small production runs, as it requires custom-built, high-cost moulds. The cost per part decreases as the number of mould cavities increases.
Thermoforming is a more affordable alternative to injection moulding, as it utilises less complex moulds that are faster and cheaper to produce. This makes it a good option for companies that need smaller batches of custom parts, as it offers high efficiency in both time and cost.
The cost of plastic parts can also be affected by the hourly moulding machine rate, which may or may not include the cost of plastic. For example, an hourly machine rate of $130/hr could be expected.
In general, the more intricate a design becomes, the higher the cost of plastic parts. Complex injection moulds are more expensive and increase the risk of part failure. Certain geometries and shapes cannot be achieved through injection moulding, so multiple parts must be made and then fabricated together, increasing costs and lead times.
Plastic Balls: Understanding Their Cost and Value
You may want to see also
Cost of fabrication
The cost of fabrication for custom plastic parts depends on the manufacturing process used, the complexity of the design, and the number of parts required.
One of the most common methods for creating custom plastic parts is injection moulding. This process can be expensive, particularly for small production runs, as it requires custom-built, high-cost moulds. The cost of these moulds can be mitigated by producing larger quantities of parts; for example, the cost per part can be less than $1 at quantities of 2,000. The cost of injection moulding also depends on the number of cavities in the mould; as the number of cavities increases, the cost per part decreases.
An alternative method is thermoforming, which utilises less complex and more affordable moulds. This makes thermoforming a more cost-effective option for smaller batches of custom parts, as it offers faster turnaround times and lower tooling costs.
The complexity of the design can also impact the cost of fabrication. More intricate designs may require multiple parts to be fabricated together, increasing costs and lead times. Certain geometries and shapes cannot be achieved through injection moulding and must be created through other methods such as CNC machining, which can produce parts with complex geometries and superior surface finishes.
The Plastic Recycling Myth: What Really Happens to Our Waste?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The cost of custom plastic parts depends on the manufacturing process and the number of parts being produced. Injection moulding is the most practical way to make small to medium-sized plastic parts, but it requires custom-built, high-cost moulds that can drive up the total price. Thermoforming is a more affordable option, particularly for smaller batches, as it uses less complex moulds that are faster and cheaper to produce.
The cost of custom plastic parts depends on the complexity of the design and the number of cavities in the mould. More intricate designs and shapes can increase the cost and lead time, as multiple parts may need to be fabricated together.
As the number of cavities in the mould increases, the cost per part decreases. This is because the hourly machine rate is often based on the number of parts produced, so a higher number of cavities means more parts can be produced in the same amount of time.
Yes, sometimes the cost of plastic is included in the hourly machine rate, but some manufacturers charge for it separately. This can add to the overall cost of producing custom plastic parts.
Yes, thermoforming is an affordable option for small production runs as it offers low tooling costs and fast turnaround times. This method can produce custom plastic parts without breaking the bank, even in smaller quantities.
