When setting a cost target for a plastic mold or assessing mold prices for a plastic product/part production project, taking a comprehensive perspective is crucial. This involves evaluating the overall cost of the product/part, considering its quality, understanding supplier demand, analyzing order patterns to determine the right production and mold capacity, and factoring in the product/part life cycle. Moreover, considerations related to quality, supplier demand, and product/part life cycle play a pivotal role in ensuring a grounded judgment.
To ensure a well-grounded judgment of mold prices, project owners should adopt a total cost perspective. This entails looking beyond the initial mold cost and considering the entire cost structure of the product/part production. Higher quality requirements and more stringent dimensional or appearance tolerances necessitate a better mold. Conversely, if the quality acceptance is at an average level, an average-quality and cost-effective mold may suffice.
The evaluation of mold prices should emphasize the quality of both the mold and the resulting plastic parts. Higher quality requirements, including more stringent dimensional or appearance tolerances, demand a better mold. Conversely, if quality acceptance is at an average level, an average-quality and cost-effective mold may be sufficient.
Understanding customer demand and analyzing order patterns play a pivotal role in determining the right production and mold capacity. More cavities in a mold lead to higher output, shorter lead times to meet client demands, and lower unit prices. However, the initial mold cost is higher than a mold with fewer cavities. Conversely, a mold with fewer cavities results in a higher unit part price, less daily output, and prolonged customer order lead times.
What Are The Main Cost Drivers Of Molded Plastic Product?
Considerations for the product/part life cycle are essential in judging mold prices. New designs that may quickly face upgrades or revisions, or parts with very low annual demand, may benefit from starting with a 1/2 cavity mold. This approach keeps the initial mold investment to a minimum, especially when a new mold will have to be made or there will be only one molding run every several months.
In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation of mold prices for plastic product/part production projects involves considering various factors. Quality requirements, supplier demand, order patterns, and product/part life cycle considerations are all need to be addressed. Only on basis of such, project owners can make informed decisions and setting cost target for a plastic mold. This ensures that mold investments align with project goals, leading to successful outcomes and avoiding judgments without a solid foundation.
