Rapid Injection Molding: Two Service Options

We offer two injection molding service options, one optimized for prototyping and the other for low-volume production of end-use parts. While the molds themselves are similar, part quantities, lifetime maintenance, mold ownership, and pricing vary depending on the type of service you choose.

	PROTOTYPING	ON-DEMAND MANUFACTURING
OBJECTIVE	I need to validate my design	I need the flexibility of on-demand production of end-use parts
BEST WHEN	Lifetime volumes are likely below 2,000 parts An affordable entry point for tooling is important Part production is only needed for 1 year or less	Lifetime volumes exceed 2,000 parts Lower part price is critical Part production is needed for several years
MOLD PRICE	Lower	Higher
PART PRICE	Higher	Lower
MOLD CAVITIES	Single	Single and multi-cavity
GUARANTEED MOLD LIFE	Limited (guaranteed for at least 2,000 shots)	Unlimited
MOLD STORAGE	Stored for 18 months of inactivity	Stored for 3 years of inactivity
MOLD OWNERSHIP	Upon request	Yes
QUALITY DOCUMENTATION	Basic inspection reports available upon request	Basic inspection reports included; enhanced reports available upon request
SHARED FEATURES	Aluminum molds Standard lead time of 15 days or less Tolerances of +/-0.003 in. plus resin tolerance (in./in.) Set-up fees apply to each run

Did you order a mold before our new injection molding service options were introduced?

Molds that were ordered prior to July 2017 are now labeled as "legacy” orders in your China Metal Parts account and you can continue to place orders under the previous terms and conditions. For additional information on our new injection molding service options, please contact your account representative.