When does injection moulding pay for itself?

A mould can lower the unit price across repeat orders, but tool preparation belongs in the full calculation. Compare tooling cost, moulded unit price and the complete printing total for the same quantity of accepted parts.

How much does the tool cost

Ask a toolmaker to quote your model. Geometry, tool material, cavity count and required tool life affect the price. Agree whether trials, modifications, maintenance and transport are included. The supplier must confirm the date for the first accepted part.

The pricing comparison uses example assumptions for tooling and unit cost. The result shows how those assumptions affect the calculation. A purchasing decision needs a toolmaker quotation; the example does not quote your mould.

How does the same calculation look with SLS

The Polish SLS B2B tariff has a PLN 299.00 net minimum and a PLN 150.00 net new-file fee, charged once on first production. The calculator separates parts, minimum top-up and preparation. Quantity discounts: 100 parts: −5%, 500 parts: −8%, 1,000 parts: −10%. Standard lead time: 5–10 business days; batch mode: 10–14 business days, with a 8% discount. We confirm scope and schedule after model review; export terms require an individual quotation.

Break-even point

Compare the complete SLS total with tooling plus all moulded parts. Check several quantities, because the SLS minimum and discounts affect unit price. Printing scope is described on small series instead of injection moulding. The table and calculator in the price list use an example moulding-cost range. They do not account for full geometry, moulded material or adapting the design to a mould.

Compare parts with the same function, agreed tolerances, finish and inspection. Add assembly or redesign where the two routes differ. A result based on mass and quantity does not confirm that the model can be demoulded.

What the profitability threshold does not cover

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  Schedule: include tool design, trials and acceptance. Bridge printing needs its own confirmed delivery date.
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  Design changes: creating and checking a new CAD version may also cost money with SLS. Tool modifications are quoted by the toolmaker.
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  Deliveries and stock: minimum batches, storage, payment terms and repeat setups depend on the supplier agreement. Moulded parts can also be supplied in batches.
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  Inspection: compare accepted quantities and acceptance requirements, as well as the number produced.

Printed batches may help check geometry before ordering tooling. Trial parts and further production are agreed separately. Send your model with batch size, annual volume and any existing moulding quotation. Without a model, send a description.