Which designs need a new mould
Any part with a new shape, relief or 3D geometry needs its own steel or aluminium mould — the mould is what gives the part its shape. A new colour, a new logo position on the same shape, or a new print does not need a new mould. If you already have a part and only want it in a different colour or with a different print, you are paying for production, not tooling.
What affects the mould cost
- Part size and cavity count. Larger parts and multi-cavity moulds use more steel and longer machining time.
- Geometry and relief. Deep 3D relief, undercuts and fine microtext take longer to cut and finish than a flat 2D shape.
- Material. Silicone and rubber compression moulds differ from soft PVC injection moulds in construction and tolerances.
- Tolerance. Tighter, repeatable tolerances need more precise machining and more inspection.
- Finish. Mirror polish, embossing or textured cavities add machining steps.
Mould cost vs unit price
The mould charge and the unit (per-part) price are separate lines on the same quotation. The mould is a one-off; the unit price covers material, moulding, finishing, QC and packing. A higher tooling cost is normally offset by a lower unit price at volume, which is why the same part can be quoted two ways depending on your forecast.
Mould ownership and reorders
The mould is dedicated to your artwork and is not reused for other customers. Reorders carry no mould charge. Tell us the expected annual volume and we show the break-even point between a simpler tool and a multi-cavity tool.
What to send for a mould quote
A vector file (AI, EPS, PDF), a dimensioned sketch, or a photo of an existing part is enough to quote. No artwork yet? Send the idea — we model it free. See the mould ownership guide and the order process.
FAQ
Do you publish mould prices?
No. Mould cost depends on size, geometry, material and cavity count, so it is quoted per project. We will not state a fixed mould price on your behalf.
Is the mould reused for other customers?
No. Each mould is dedicated to your design and stored against your order; reorders are not re-charged for tooling.
Can one mould make several colours?
Yes. The same mould can run different colours; colour and print changes do not require new tooling.
How do I lower the tooling cost?
Simpler relief, looser tolerances where acceptable, and a realistic volume forecast let us choose the cheapest tool that still meets the part. Tell us the volume and we advise.
Minimum order and lead time?
100 pieces per design; sampling 5–7 days; production 12–30 days after artwork approval. Free 3D modelling before any steel is cut.