Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.

Custom plastic molding, particularly injection molding (the most common method), involves upfront costs for tooling (the mold) and variable costs for materials and production. Overall expenses can range from a few hundred dollars for simple prototypes to over $100,000 for high-volume production setups, but per-part costs drop significantly with larger quantities due to amortizing fixed expenses. Below, I'll break down the typical costs based on industry standards.

Mold (Tooling) Costs

The mold is the largest upfront expense, accounting for most of the initial investment. Prices depend on the mold's material (e.g., 3D-printed polymer for prototypes vs. steel for production), fabrication method (CNC machining, EDM, or 3D printing), and complexity.Simple, single-cavity molds for low-volume or prototypes: $100–$5,000.

Mid-volume aluminum molds: $2,000–$5,000.

Complex, multi-cavity steel molds for high-volume: $5,000–$100,000+.

A typical mold for a hand-sized part averages around $12,000.

Material Costs

Thermoplastics used in molding (e.g., ABS, polypropylene, polycarbonate) are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $0.90–$2.30 per pound ($2–$5 per kg) for common resins. Per-part material costs are often $0.50 or less, depending on part size and resin type (e.g., specialty resins like fire-retardant or UV-resistant can cost up to $20 per pound).

Factors Affecting Costs

Part design and complexity: Simple shapes with draft angles cost less; undercuts, ribs, or intricate features add $500–$1,000+.

Size and cavities: Larger parts or multi-cavity molds increase expenses but improve efficiency for high volumes.

Volume: Best for 1,000+ parts; low runs favor cheaper 3D-printed molds.

Mold material: Aluminum for prototypes (cheaper but less durable); steel for production (higher upfront but longer life).

Location and extras: Offshoring (e.g., to China) can reduce mold costs to $2,000–$300,000 but adds shipping/quality risks; finishes or repairs add fees.