Tips for reducing injection mould part cost/mould cost

[oemodm]

Hi everyone,

Looking for tips on the reduction of injection mould tooling cost, and part cost. I've listed my current methods below, however my main curiosity is:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
If I've 4 small parts, for example, is it cheaper to join in CAD into one part, and mould as one part? (please ignore post production automatic cutting process costs).
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Current methods of reducing injection mould and part cost:

- Focus on symmetrical part design (moulding 1 part in double quantities)
- Harmonize part depths, to match, on 1 mould tool blank
- Multi functional parts
- Use mould keys, for selective injection of parts, saving on multiple mould tools

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Also interested in lists/resources to other cost reduction methods, for part and mould cost
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

thanks / simon

 

[Ravi Rs.M]

Hi!
While considering cost & material details, reducing the no. of mold will achieve the low cost in overall production. For example; while your design contains two different parts with same material & weight, try to allocate them in a single family mold. so that you may reduce the no. of mold on whole design.

Re-consider/re-check your product design, regarding appearance level; to modify gates & side core concepts to minimum level & simple concepts.

Re-consider/re-check your production requirement to finalize no. of cavities in all molds.

Try to get mold bolster as standard one.

Thanks.

 

[rutlandplastics]

Sure! Here are the tips and strategies I've found useful for reducing injection mould tooling cost and part cost:

1. Focus on Symmetrical Part Design: I prioritize designing parts that are symmetrical, allowing me to mould one part in double quantities. This approach helps in streamlining the moulding process and reducing tooling cost by creating fewer cavities.
   
   
2. Harmonize Part Depths: I make an effort to harmonize part depths, matching them on a single mould tool blank. This allows me to consolidate multiple parts into one mould, eliminating the need for separate tools and reducing tooling cost.
   
   
3. Explore Multi-Functional Parts: Whenever possible, I design parts with multiple functions. By combining functionalities into a single part, I can reduce the number of individual components required, leading to cost savings in tooling and assembly.
   
   
4. Efficient Use of Mould Keys: I utilize mould keys to enable selective injection of parts. This technique allows me to mould different parts using the same mould tool, saving on multiple tooling costs. It also provides flexibility in production, especially when dealing with variations of similar parts.
   

Regarding your question about joining multiple small parts into one part in CAD, it can be a cost-effective approach. By moulding multiple small parts as one unit, I can minimize tooling complexity and material waste, resulting in reduced part cost. However, it's essential to carefully consider the design, functionality, and assembly requirements of the parts before opting for this approach.

In addition to the methods I've mentioned, here are some additional tips for reducing injection mould tooling cost and part cost:

• Simplify part designs by eliminating unnecessary features and optimizing wall thicknesses. This helps in reducing tooling complexity and cost.
• Consider using standardized components or off-the-shelf parts whenever possible to minimize custom tooling expenses.
• Select cost-effective materials that meet the required performance criteria, considering factors such as availability, pricing, and alternatives.
• Design parts with manufacturability in mind to avoid complex geometries or secondary operations that can increase tooling and production costs.
• Collaborate with injection moulding experts or manufacturers during the design phase to leverage their expertise and gain valuable insights on cost-effective production techniques.

For further resources on cost reduction methods for injection moulding, I recommend exploring industry publications, online forums, and websites of injection moulding associations or trade organizations. These sources offer valuable information, case studies, and best practices for achieving cost savings in injection moulding projects.