How much will it cost to make a mould tool for your plastic injection moulding project?

Without specific information it is very difficult to give a definitive answer on this. It is obviously a significant factor in assessing the viability of your project.

To provide you with an actual quote you would first need to speak to one of our engineers. See the contact information at the bottom of the page.

However, the following information, we hope, will give you a guide as to the factors that can affect the final cost of producing your tooling.

We have our own tool-room on-site which is a significant advantage. There is no requirement to engage with third parties and you can be assured that your tooling will be made by our skilled toolmakers right here in the heart of Gloucestershire.

1 – COMPLEXITY

This is the factor that will have the most impact on the price. A straightforward open and close tool will be significantly less costly than one that has a very complex design.

2 – IMPRESSIONS

A tool that produces just one component for each cycle will be less costly than one that needs multiple cavities to produce, as the term suggests, multiple items on each cycle.

3 – SIZE

The more material required to make the tool then the more it will cost to produce.

4 – MATERIALS

Tools are made from different materials depending on their complexity and frequency and longevity of use.

Fully hardened – The term hardened steel is often used for a medium or high carbon steel that has been given heat treatment and then quenched followed by tempering. This type of steel is used for moulds that are expected to have a high frequency of use over a long period of time and/or the material to be used is very abrasive.

 

P20 Mould Steel. This is a very versatile, low-alloy, tool steel. It is characterised by good toughness at moderate strength levels. It is softer than fully hardened steel and therefore used for moulding projects requiring a lower frequency of use.

 

Aluminium. This material is used for short run tooling when a limited number of  moulding shots are required. We would expect a tool such as this to produce close to 10,000 parts in total for the life of the tool.

 

For projects that require moulding smaller components we can use a uni-bolster which is a shell into which a moulding insert is fitted.  The good news is that customers then just pay for the inserts. This can save up to 40% compared to having to make a complete solid tool.

 

We hope that gives you an insight into the factors that can affect the cost of creating your injection moulding tool. If you would like to discuss this in more detail and get an exact quote then speak to an engineer today on:
01453 833388 or e-mail: enquiries@pnplastics.co.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you.