Several factors contribute to the cost of a plastic injection molded part, making it important to understand each element for accurate costing and informed decision-making. Here's a breakdown of the key cost drivers:

Tooling Cost:

• Complexity: More complex parts requiring intricate features in the mold lead to higher machining time and material needs, increasing tooling cost.
• Number of cavities: Molds with multiple cavities produce more parts per cycle, reducing per-unit tooling cost for high-volume production.
• Material selection: The type of steel or material used for the mold impacts its durability and cost.
• Mold maintenance: Complex molds with moving parts require more frequent maintenance, translating to additional costs.

Part Production Cost:

• Material cost: The price of the plastic resin used significantly impacts the part cost.
• Cycle time: Faster molding cycles due to optimized design and processing reduce per-unit production cost.
• Machine cost: Hourly operating cost of the injection molding machine adds to the part cost.
• Labor cost: Manual processes like part handling or finishing contribute to the labor cost per unit.
• Scrap rate: Rejected parts due to molding defects or machine malfunctions increase production cost.
• Overhead costs: Factory overhead, utilities, and quality control contribute to the overall cost per unit.

Other Considerations:

• Volume discounts: Higher production volumes often receive discounts on both tooling and material costs.
• Surface finish: Additional processes like polishing or texturing add to the part cost.
• Secondary operations: Post-molding processes like assembly, welding, or printing incur additional costs.

Remember:

• The relative importance of each factor varies based on your specific project and requirements.
• Optimizing design for manufacturability (DFM) can significantly reduce tooling and production costs.
• Consulting experienced plastic injection molding professionals can help you estimate costs accurately and identify potential cost-saving opportunities.

By understanding and carefully managing these cost drivers, you can make informed decisions about material selection, design, and production processes to achieve optimal value and cost-effectiveness for your plastic injection molded parts.