You might be involved in plastic products sourcing from China. Well, it is going to be expensive at times. The time has changed, so you must think about creating custom products. Injection molding is your way to go!
But how much does injection molding cost in China? We have the necessary answers. Injection molding is beneficial in many ways, but it can turn expensive if you pick the wrong supplier.
Thus, I will discuss everything about injection molding and its pricing structure. Keep reading for a complete overview of the cost of injection molding in China. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways!
- China is the largest injection molding manufacturer.
- The injection molding cost is cheaper in this country due to the low labor and material costs.
- Product material and design affect injection molding prices
- You must hire a genuine sourcing agent to get reliable injection molding service in China.
Overview of Injection Molding in China
Injection molding offers straightforward and seamless plastic manufacturing. Plus, it is faster and features a lot fewer errors. Undoubtedly, several reasons exist for you to opt for injection molding. However, why should you do so in China?
One significant perk of working alongside China’s injection mold companies is the price. Choosing China suppliers ensures cost savings due to the lower costs of labor and materials. The injection molding services in China are incredibly affordable.
However, note that the cheaper prices don’t replace quality. Instead, the products from the injection molds are top-quality. Chinese companies have access to innovative machines. It enables them to create products with high precision. Some well-known materials used are ABC, PC, PP, and nylon.
Top Places in China for Injection Molding
| Province/City | Key Areas of Specialization |
| Guangdong | Electronics, toys, home appliances, automotive parts |
| Zhejiang | Textiles, auto parts, medical devices |
| Jiangsu | Machinery, automotive, textiles |
| Shandong Province | Machinery, textiles, building materials, auto parts |
| Shanghai | High-end manufacturing, automotive, electronics, medical devices |
| Ningbo | Plastics, machinery, electronics |
| Dongguan | Electronics, toys, precision machinery |
| Shenzhen | Electronics, telecommunications, precision instruments |
| Foshan | Ceramics, furniture |
Average Price Range for Injection Molding in China
So, what price range should you expect to get injection molding in China? It depends. It is difficult to pinpoint how much injection molding will cost. Factors such as your chosen material and manufacturing company can hike the price.
Nonetheless, there is an estimated cost. The average cost runs between $1k to $12k for small and large scales, respectively. Other factors, like the quality of the work, can mark up the price. That said, here is a cost breakdown of injection molding:
- Material: $600
- Assembly, heat treatment, and mold testing: $120
- Designing fees: $150
- Machining costs: $250
- Tax: $185
- Totaling up to $1305 before profit
When you compare China mold supplier costs to the global market, they are much higher. Hence, China is often the preferred choice for injection molding.
Now, I will closely examine the factors that determine the prices in China. So, you can identify where to cut service costs and increase profit margins.
What Factors Decide the Average Price Range for Injection Molding in China?
Using China injection mold companies can be costly. The high price tag can come from several factors. Knowing injection molding pricing factors helps understand the manufacturing costs.
1) Materials
Injection molds don’t create plastic products from thin air. The material you use determines the tools used, which often vary in pricing.
For instance, polypropylene, a leech-resistant material, costs about $0.90 per pound. However, nylon, a more durable alternative, costs $2.20 per pound.
You should also know that plastic is not the only material used with injection molds. Metals and their alloys are also used in China’s injection molding. Common examples are stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium.
2) Design
How complex is the design you want to create? The more complicated the design, the more pricey the molding process. Complex designs often require undercuts, surface finishes, and more. These extras shoot up the manufacturing cost.
3) Mold Materials
The type of mold material you choose also influences the cost. Aluminum molds are suitable for short runs and considerably cheaper. However, stainless steel is ideal for long runs. However, it has a more expensive up-front cost.
4) Part Size
Bigger parts often cost more as they require more material and bigger molds. The size also contributes more to the cost as it takes longer to make. It adds to the manufacturing costs.
5) Mold Cavities
Molds with fewer cavities require less time and minimal tooling. It, in turn, contributes to lower production costs. In contrast, molds have a lot of cavities.
Tips and Tricks on How to Drive Down Plastic Molding Costs in China
How do you drive down the cost of injection molding? While the injection mold is more costly than the alternative, it is cost-effective in many cases. Here are the tips to reduce the cost while enjoying the perks of the option:
1) Consider the Mold Material
The material you use with the mold can increase the overall price of the process. Some parts of your product have more flexibility regarding the material used. Hence, you can swap expensive materials for more affordable ones in those places. You can also cut costs based on the plastic quality, weight, and thickness.
ABS and polypropylene are the cheapest product materials for injection molding. You can consider recycled materials if the product doesn’t need virgin materials. It saves costs and is more sustainable.
Furthermore, colors also increase the overall cost. Color pigments are usually extra expensive, and additives also increase prices. The more demanding the product requirements, the higher the production cost.
2) Design Optimization
Another prominent way to cut costs is to optimize the mold design. The design plays a significant role in cost since every mold is custom-made. Design optimization ensures overall efficiency. Several design changes can be implemented at a lower cost.
Remove Undercuts: Undercuts make part ejection more difficult and, in some cases, impossible. Moreover, undercutting requires more complex tooling. Hence, removing the undercuts ensures the molding process takes less time. It also facilitates low-cost injection molding in China.
Cut Unnecessary Features: Business numbers and logos might be attractive. However, they often have a hefty price tag. If they are totally necessary, you can go along with them. However, if the product works just fine without them, the cheaper option is to remove them.
Don’t Go for Cosmetic Finishes: These finishes can shoot the process’s price. This process often requires bead blasting and high molding polishing. Although they make the product look finer, they increase the tooling costs. You can avoid this level of finishing unless they are crucial to the product.
Consider Sizing: Sizing is a big deal regarding injection molding. Smaller products take up less cycle time, reducing labor costs and cooling time. Hence, smaller products are cheaper.
3) Automation
Smart and automated injection molds streamline the molding process. They do this by eliminating the need for labor inputs and running around the clock. The lower labor cost enables cost savings. Also, there is reduced human error. It reduces the costs of quality issues and ensures affordable injection molding in China.
4) Consider the Mold Material
Much like product material, mold material also affects the cost of the process. Quality molds often cost more but last longer.
Note: The cost of injection molding also extends to shipping from China. Choosing the wrong freight forwarder can crank up the price to ridiculous amounts. We have dealt with many cases where the business was charged up to 30% more than usual.
You should go through a sourcing agent on your first try. Fortunately, we can help. Our services help expedite deliveries.
Common Quality Issues in Injection Molding in China
| Quality Issue | Cause | How to solve it? |
| Dimensional Inaccuracies |
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| Surface Defects |
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| Short Shot |
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| Flashing |
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| Sink Marks |
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How Businesses Can Find Affordable Injection Molding Suppliers in China
There are so many Chinese injection molding manufacturers to choose from. But not all of them are excellent options. Here is how to ensure you select the quality and affordable options:
1) Hire a Sourcing Agency
Finding someone is the right approach if you can’t visit China. You must hire a global sourcing agent to handle all the sourcing and shipping processes. Ensure you find a trustworthy agency.
Here is what you can expect from a sourcing agent;
| Service | Description |
| Mold Design and Manufacturing |
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| Material Sourcing and Selection |
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| Injection Molding Process Optimization |
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| Tooling Maintenance and Repair |
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| Quality Control and Testing |
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| Supply Chain Management |
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| Regulatory Compliance |
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| Intellectual Property Protection |
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A US-based company was struggling with quality issues and inconsistent lead times. Their injection molding supplier was not responsive. So, they asked us to find a manufacturer in China. Our team conducted a thorough supplier evaluation process. We considered factors such as manufacturing units, quality control systems, and pricing. We successfully found a reputable supplier that met the client’s specific requirements. The client was impressed with the improved product quality and shorter lead times.
2) Use Alibaba
Alibaba is a notable e-commerce platform. The online directory has several reliable injection mold suppliers. Visit the platform and undergo in-depth research to ensure you connect with the best.
Read through reviews and ratings to find suitable suppliers. It is also a plus if the suppliers are verified.
Remember, it is one of the many Chinese wholesale websites available. You can check Alibaba alternatives to broaden your research.
3) Opt for top companies
China has several reliable injection molding companies. Here is a list of good Chinese injection mold factories:
If you can visit, the names above are the ideal starting points. You can also find Chinese reliable manufacturers by visiting trade fairs in China like the Canton Fair.
Read More:
- How to Manufacture Injection Molds in China?
- How to Import Electronics from China?
- How to Import Building Materials From China?
Final Thoughts!
Custom plastic molding prices vary worldwide. However, thanks to manufacturing conditions in China, it is cheaper than anywhere else. Still, the price can be high. This guide covers everything you need to know about the costs of injection molding in China.
Yet, not all manufacturing companies in China offer incredible prices and quality. There are a few suppliers who can be deceitful. Well, our team is here to connect you to the right manufacturing companies.
As a Global supply chain provider, we are conversant with the best names in the market. Contact us today, and let us pair you up with a company with a reputation for top-notch delivery.
