Researching Injection Molding Shops
Added by J. Simmons over 5 years ago
As part of PBI V04-14: Select tone ring based on ease to adapt, costs, identical or faster response times, improved single step I am starting a review of shops where we can get our plastic parts produced through injection molding. This is to support the V10 PBIs related to reviewing designs and ultimately producing v1.0 parts.
Replies (2)
RE: Researching Injection Molding Shops - Added by J. Simmons over 5 years ago
The first place I researched is Proto Labs. First, the good news.
- They have an extensive review process to assist customers in submitting designs that can be successfully manufactured (check out this demo quote)
- They have a list of best practices for designing parts to be made with injection molding
- They specialize in small to medium batch runs of parts (25-10,000 parts).
- They ship parts in as little as 15 days
Now for the less than awesome news: mold costs. Mold design/production starts at $1,495. We have at least 6 plastic parts to produce, so the cost for molds will add up quickly. I am going to do a little more searching to see what others charge for molds.
RE: Researching Injection Molding Shops - Added by J. Simmons over 5 years ago
Some more data points on mold costs.
- Rex Plastics - "Typically, the molds we build are in the $8,000 -$20,000 range."
- Wired article on just how low cost Proto Labs (formerly Protomold) is
- FATHOM - no listed price info, but looks like another shop focused on manufacturing for start ups
Next up, I think we should reach out through our personal networks to see who we know more directly in this space.
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