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How complicated/large is the part? $10-$20k is a pretty expensive mold these days even for production tools (from China). If you only need 2000 or so for a sim
by starky 8y ago
How complicated/large is the part? $10-$20k is a pretty expensive mold these days even for production tools (from China).
If you only need 2000 or so for a simple part to start, and are willing to pay 2-3X the part price, Protolabs is a good option.
Another low tooling cost, low volume option that might be worth looking into is cast urethane.
- klausnrooster 8y agoI was told just last week a production mold for an automotive bumper costs about a million $. Mind you, that is a big mold with hot runners, multiple gates, and I think some moving parts. I can't confirm that figure but I do know a small mold for a 4x12 inch rectangular plaque, 3 mm thick, costs $10k. Uh, but that is not from China.
- starky 8y agoDepending on how large and complex the mold is, the price does go up a lot. However, for a 2-up mold for something the size of a game controller, with a 0.5mil shot life, with maybe a slider or two, you are looking at $8-10k at many of the molders I've worked with.