Hi all! I would like to hear your opinions on the most relevant variables to take into consideration when evaluating the cost of a particular molding tool.

I have thought of: number of cavities, size of the parts and complexity of the parts, which may include injection related topics (valve, finishing of the molded piece, usage of pad, etc).

Thanks in advance for your inputs!

Another variables are , type of material , wall thickness, runner or hot runner application

depending on the series to be produced; series long, small, prototype ... kind of material (abrasive charge ...) tool life...etc

Add to all the other points , also consider where is the tool maker, because some times we made the mistake and don´t add to the tool quotation issues like travels to release and test the tool, shipping for the tool and spare parts; critical spare parts are very important ¡¡.

Good topic. I think customer's attitude toward to the mold will play an important part of price too. Often the cost factor is hidden in the risk rather than in the dollar outlay.

Add die draw considerations (Cams,lifters, complexity of surfaces and parting lines), Tool steel requirements (hardened, stainless), Finish (polish, texture), Water lines/complexity, runner, gate, and ejection designs (tab, subgates, hot runner, blade eject), etc, etc

The cost of a mold is usually not the price you get from your vendor. If it is going to be a high quality mold from a high quality vendor the cost of the mold will stay near the mold price. But if it is a cheap mold the cost of the mold will keep growing after mold approval. It is suggested to get quotations for high quality molds and cheap quality mold so that you can present realistic expected expanses to your management. In the long term the price of a cheap mold will be more expansive then the price of a high quality mold. This is the case for mold for production.

The most important: profit.