How much is a custom mold?
Customers often ask this because they need a plastic part that is no longer available. The answer is that it depends on the part size, part design, materials used and complexity of the mold.
![diagram of simple single cavity mold](/mediaItems/news/how-much-is-a-custom-mold/ee9bdce8-b69a-4dca-8583-499f65e0243c.jpg)
The mold above is just a simple one cavity mold. Molds can be designed to make more than one part at a time which makes the mold more expensive, but the parts much less.
![split cavity mold](/mediaItems/news/how-much-is-a-custom-mold/ac79dfa8-4114-4385-8274-c7bee3390153.jpg)
Sometimes if you need a slightly different part we can modify an existing mold to create your part. The CP 40s below are made from the same mold with different inserts.
Bottom line: What are the advantages of owning a custom mold?
- You can get exactly what you want which can be a competitive advantage.
- More control of the supply chain so deliveries are more predictable.
- You cannot be cut off from supply.
- Cost of the parts is usually lower.
![Single molded part.](/mediaItems/news/how-much-is-a-custom-mold/52f2ed4a-ac32-4d53-bdc1-3d087a911e89.jpg)
When does it usually make sense to invest in a mold?
- Available parts don't do the job.
- Parts are too expensive or no longer available.
- Annual volume is over 1,000 and growing.
- Capital is available.
Still not sure? we can help. Contact us for a free evaluation.