Tips On How To Make Injection Molding Cost Less

Injection molding is a popular manufacturing process for producing high-quality plastic parts in large volumes. However, the costs associated with injection molding can add up quickly, making it essential to find ways to minimize these expenses without compromising on quality. In this blog, we’ll explore various tips and strategies to help you make injection molding more cost-effective for your projects.

Why Is Injection Molding So Expensive?

Injection molding involves several stages that contribute to its overall cost: designing the mold, fabricating the mold, setting up the machine, and producing the parts. Each of these stages requires significant investment in terms of materials and labor. Additionally, factors such as the complexity of the part design, the type of materials used, and any additional processes can further drive up costs.

What common materials increase the cost of injection molding?

Certain materials can significantly impact the cost of injection molding. High-performance resins, which are often required for parts that need to withstand extreme conditions, can be more expensive than standard plastics. Materials such as polycarbonate, nylon, and PEEK (polyether ether ketone) are known for their durability and resistance to heat, chemicals, and wear, but they come at a higher price point.

What common processes increase the cost of injection molding?

Additional processes such as overmolding, co-molding, and finishing techniques can increase the cost of injection molding. Overmolding involves combining two or more materials into a single part, which requires additional steps and equipment. Similarly, co-molding combines different types of plastics but can be costly. Post-molding processes like printing, painting, sandblasting, and other finishing treatments also add to the overall expense.

3 Ways To Help Reduce Injection Molding Cost

1. Keep your design simple & efficient

One of the most effective ways to reduce injection molding costs is to simplify your part design. Complex designs with intricate features, undercuts, and thick or thin walls can increase the difficulty and time required for molding, leading to higher costs. By designing parts with fewer complexities, you can reduce both the tooling and production costs. Additionally, incorporating design best practices, such as adding appropriate draft angles and rounding corners, can improve the efficiency of the molding process.

2. Choose the right material

Selecting the appropriate material for your part is crucial in managing costs. While high-performance materials might be necessary for certain applications, they are not always required. For general-use parts, consider using more cost-effective materials that still meet your performance requirements. Conducting a thorough analysis of your part’s use cases and quality standards can help you identify the best material that balances cost and functionality.

3. Minimize solid part areas

Reducing the solid areas of your part can lead to significant cost savings. By designing parts with more hollow sections supported by gussets or ribs, you can decrease the amount of resin needed, thus lowering material costs. This approach not only saves on material expenses but also reduces the weight of the parts, making them cheaper to ship and store, and reduces labor costs to produce them.

Talk With Experts About Your Project

Since every project is different, getting an expert quote will give you a good estimate for how much your injection molding will cost. Consulting with experts can provide valuable insights into cost-saving opportunities for your project. Experienced professionals can also offer advice on optimizing your design, selecting materials, and identifying the most efficient production processes. By collaborating with experts, you can ensure that your project is both cost-effective and high-quality. 

Contact Rex Plastics, the injection molding experts, for a quote today.