What is the cost of injection molding?
Injection molding can be cost-effective or expensive — it depends on volume, mold complexity, and part size.
The total cost of injection molding includes mold creation, machine time, material, and labor.
At Prime, we support global buyers by offering competitive pricing, fast delivery, and custom plastic parts manufacturing with precise cost breakdowns.
How much does injection molding cost?
Many buyers only consider the per-part price, not the full picture of setup and tooling.
Injection molding can range from \$3,000 to over \$100,000 for mold setup. Per-part costs typically range from \$0.10 to \$5.00.
One of our U.S. clients sourced plastic casings for their electronics. By choosing Prime, they avoided a \$60,000 mold build and achieved lower per-unit costs at scale.
Injection molding cost overview
| Cost Type | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mold/tooling | \$3,000 – \$100,000 | Depends on material, size, and cavity count |
| Per-part cost | \$0.10 – \$5.00 | Based on size, resin, and volume |
| Setup cost | \$500 – \$2,000 | One-time cost per production run |
ISO-certified plastic parts suppliers like Prime help optimize each cost factor.
How to calculate injection mold cost?
Mold cost depends on part complexity, required precision, and number of cavities.
To estimate mold cost, calculate part size, material, number of cavities, and required tolerances.
We use a detailed DFM (Design for Manufacturability) process at Prime to give our clients accurate quotes. This ensures no surprise costs during production.
Mold cost estimation formula
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Part complexity | High complexity = higher cost |
| Cavity count | More cavities = higher mold cost but lower per-part cost |
| Mold material | Steel costs more than aluminum |
| Surface finish | Polished or textured adds to machining time |
Prime’s engineering team provides full DFM analysis before tool building, helping you reduce cost and speed up delivery.
What is the cost of 30 ton injection molding machine?
Small machines are useful for low-volume or micro part production but offer limited capacity.
A 30-ton injection molding machine typically costs between \$7,000 and \$15,000 depending on brand and control system.
One of our startup clients in Europe purchased a 30-ton unit for prototyping. Later, they moved to mass production with Prime for better speed and cost.
30-ton machine specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Clamp force | 30 tons |
| Part size range | Small (<100g) |
| Machine price | \$7,000 – \$15,000 |
| Use case | Prototyping, micro parts |
Even with a 30-ton system, total production cost includes resin, energy, and maintenance — all of which Prime can handle efficiently in-house.
How much does molding cost?
Some clients confuse mold cost with per-part molding cost. They are different, but both affect your budget.
Molding cost per part includes resin, machine time, labor, and overhead. It ranges from \$0.10 to \$5.00 per piece.
Our North American clients often start with small volumes. They appreciate our flexible MOQ and consistent pricing for custom plastic parts, without needing to invest in expensive tooling themselves.
Factors affecting molding cost per part
| Element | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| Resin type | Engineering resins cost more |
| Cycle time | Longer cycles = higher cost |
| Labor cost | Depends on automation level |
| Packaging | Custom packaging increases cost |
By combining our 10 in-house lines and optimized tooling strategies, Prime helps reduce both setup and part costs.
Conclusion
Injection molding costs depend on tooling, part volume, resin, and machine type — careful planning saves thousands.
Need cost-effective solutions for custom plastic parts or unsure whether to invest in your own machine? Contact Prime today for a free DFM consultation, mold cost estimate, or part quote. Our team supports clients worldwide with fast shipping, ISO quality, and clear pricing.
