Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.

Injection molding molds (also called dies or tools) are precision-engineered metal components used to shape molten plastic into final parts. They are typically made from high-quality steels (like P20, H13, or 420 stainless) for durability in high-volume production, or aluminum for prototyping and lower volumes due to faster machining and lower cost. The mold consists of two main halves—a cavity (forming the exterior of the part) and a core (forming the interior)—clamped together under high pressure during the molding process. The entire mold-making process, known as tooling, can take weeks to months and costs anywhere from $2,000–$5,000 for simple molds to over $100,000 for complex, high-volume ones.

Step-by-Step Process of Making Injection Molds

The creation of an injection mold involves design, fabrication, assembly, and validation. Here's a breakdown:

1.Design and Planning

2.Material Selection and Mold Base Preparation

3.Machining the Mold Components

4.Assembly and Fitting

5.Testing and Validation

Key Considerations

Cost Drivers: Complexity (e.g., multi-cavity molds for high output), material, and tolerances increase costs.  

Lead Time: 4–12 weeks typical.  

Maintenance: Production molds last 500,000–1,000,000+ cycles but require periodic polishing.

Partnering with a specialized toolmaker ensures quality, as errors in mold design can lead to scrapped tools or inconsistent parts. For custom projects, start with a DFM consultation.