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Injection Mold Cost Calculator

Changing units converts dimensions and part weight automatically. Calculations always use mm and grams internally.
Why wall thickness matters
Enter the thickest plastic section of the part, not the overall length, width or height. Typical injection walls are 1.5–4 mm; values above 10 mm are unusual for this calculator.
Cooling time: Thicker walls cool more slowly; cooling time increases approximately with the square of wall thickness, so doubling thickness can nearly quadruple cooling time.
Holding time: A thicker core stays molten longer and requires additional packing time to reduce sink marks and voids.
Material guidance
P20 is a common pre-hardened mold steel. 718 provides improved hardness and polishability. NAK80 is selected for demanding cosmetic surfaces and dimensional stability.
Slider and lifter guidance
Slider: Side action that moves perpendicular to the mold-opening direction to release external undercuts, side holes, snaps or ribs.
Lifter: Angled internal action that moves up and outward with ejection to release internal undercuts or hook-shaped features.
When heat treatment is needed
Heat treatment improves wear resistance, dimensional stability and strength under injection pressure. It is most important for high-volume or abrasive, glass-filled materials; pre-hardened steel may be sufficient for lower-volume programs.
Export mold requirements
Export molds may require DME-compatible components, inch-based interfaces, NPT cooling fittings, standardized ejector parts, lifting points, safety locks and press-compatible clamp geometry.
Hot runner guidance
A hot runner uses heated manifolds and nozzles to keep resin molten up to each gate. It can reduce runner waste and cycle time, but increases mold cost, controls and maintenance requirements.
Preliminary tooling estimate
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Based on your part dimensions, cavity count, steel selection and mold features entered above.

Mold price calculation

Unit molding cost calculation

This calculator provides a preliminary planning estimate, not a binding quotation. Final pricing requires review of the 3D model, part tolerances, cosmetic requirements, resin, annual volume and mold-life expectations.

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What affects injection mold price?

Understanding the factors that affect injection mold price is essential for cost estimation and budget planning. Mold size and part dimensions determine core and mold-base material requirements. Cavity count affects machining complexity and production capacity. Core material selection—such as P20, NAK80 or 718—changes tooling cost, expected life and surface capability.

Complexity features such as sliders and lifters for undercuts, mirror polishing, submarine gating, heat treatment and hot-runner systems can add cost. Hot runners may reduce material waste and cycle time, while export-mold requirements may add DME-compatible components, NPT fittings, safety features and press-compatible interfaces. Product weight, maximum wall thickness and resin selection also affect clamping force, cooling time, cycle time and unit molding cost.

This calculator accounts for these major variables to support early design decisions. It provides a planning estimate rather than a binding quotation; final pricing requires review of the 3D model, tolerances, cosmetic requirements, annual volume and mold-life expectations.