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Calcimator

Mold Cost Estimator

Estimate injection mold build cost from cavitation, material, part complexity, and features like side actions and hot runners.

Inputs

in²

Results

Estimated Mold Cost

$96,720.00

≈ 9 years of state college

Cost per Cavity$24,180.00
Amortized Cost per Part$0.05
Expected Mold Life500,000 shots
Side Action Cost$6,000.00
Hot Runner Cost$0.00
Lead Time Estimate10 weeks
Annual Maintenance Budget$1,934.00
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter number of cavities, part complexity level, and mold material (P20, H13, stainless, or aluminum).
  2. Set part projected area (in²) and number of side actions or lifters required.
  3. Indicate whether a hot runner system is needed.
  4. Review estimated total mold cost, cost per cavity, and amortized cost per part at your expected volume.
  5. Use expected mold life (shots) to calculate the total number of parts before mold replacement.

How the result changes with Part Projected Area

Part Projected AreaEstimated Mold Cost
50$384,000.00
175$1,329,000.00
325$2,463,000.00
450$3,408,000.00

What each input means

Number of Cavities
Number of identical cavities in the mold.
Part Complexity
Overall part geometry complexity.
Mold Material
Mold base and cavity material determines cost and life.
Part Projected Area
Projected area of one part on the parting plane.
Side Actions / Lifters
Number of side actions, lifters, or collapsible cores needed.
Hot Runner System
Hot runner eliminates runner waste but adds cost.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Number of Cavities = 4, Part Complexity = 2, Mold Material = 2, Part Projected Area = 12 = 6 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Estimated Mold Cost
    Estimated Mold Cost
    96720 = $96,720
  3. Calculate Cost per Cavity
    Cost per Cavity
    24180 = $24,180
  4. Calculate Amortized Cost per Part
    Amortized Cost per Part
    0.0484 = $0.048

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