Injection Mould Pricing: Which Volume Breakpoints Should You Request?

When requesting a quote for injection tooling and plastic parts, separate the one-time mould investment from repeat production costs. Ask suppliers to price a single mould set, distinguish simple tooling from complex designs, and show production pricing at sample approval, first-batch, and recurring-order stages. Longterm lists a one-set mould MOQ, mould lead times that vary by complexity, and production delivery of 7–15 days after sample approval.

Build a Quote Around Clear Pricing Stages

A useful quotation should make it easy to compare tooling, sampling, and production rather than combining them into one figure. Longterm’s custom precision mould listing sets the mould MOQ at one set. The mould can use materials including S50C, P20, 1.2738, H13, and 718H steel, with single- or multi-cavity layouts and hot-runner options.

Separate Standard and Complex Tooling

Ask the supplier to state which design characteristics affect the mould price and schedule. Longterm gives a lead time of 20–25 working days for a simple custom mould, 25–35 days for an OEM custom injection mould, and 35–45 days for complex high-precision tooling, including double-shot and overmoulding moulds. The general custom precision mould listing gives a 20–35-day delivery range. Have the supplier identify the applicable category for your project and explain any differences in the quotation.

Set Production Breakpoints After Sample Sign-Off

For plastic parts, request separate pricing for the sample-approval quantity, the first small production run, and repeat orders. Longterm describes production MOQ as negotiable; mass-production delivery is 7–15 days after samples are approved. A listed production model cites capacity of 500,000 or more plastic parts, so confirm how your order size, forecast, and delivery schedule fit that capacity.

Align Quality Checks with Each Stage

Clarify which inspections are included at sampling and at each production volume. The listed checks include incoming quality control (IQC), mould trial testing, dimensional inspection, and full inspection before shipment. Other referenced services include first-article inspection, full dimensional measurement, CMM testing, multi-cycle mould trials, and sample approval before shipment.

Longterm holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, certificate number 02825Q12549R0S, for the design, manufacture, and sale of precision moulds and the sale of plastic products. Reported projects include electronic housing moulds for an Italian manufacturer, double-shot overmoulding tooling for a French product brand, a home-appliance mould for a US brand distributor, and an industrial plastic-part mould for an Australian manufacturer.

Quotation Breakpoints to Compare

Frequently Asked Questions

Why request separate mould and part prices?

The mould is a one-time tooling purchase with its own MOQ and lead time. Parts are quoted for production after sample approval, and their MOQ can be negotiated separately.

Which tooling lead times should a quotation cover?

Ask the supplier to identify the relevant schedule: 20–25 working days for a simple custom mould, 20–35 days for the listed custom precision mould, 25–35 days for an OEM mould, or 35–45 working days for complex precision, double-shot, or overmoulding tooling.

What inspection and after-sales services can I ask about?

Confirm whether IQC, mould trials, dimensional checks, and pre-shipment inspection are included. Available after-sales support includes mould maintenance guidance, spare parts, online technical assistance, and consultation.

Recommendations for Your RFQ

Request a pricing matrix for one mould set, simple and complex tooling, sample approval, the initial production run, and recurring orders. Specify the quantity at every production breakpoint and ask about the post-approval production window, inspection scope, mould modifications, and included support. Longterm offers OEM custom moulding, mould making combined with injection moulding, high-precision double-shot and overmoulding, and mould development with plastic injection mass production. For technical questions or support, contact rogerluo@longterm-mold.com.

About Longterm

Longterm Manufacturing Solutions Limited was founded in 2010 and serves international customers with mould design, tooling, precision machining, mould manufacturing, and parts production. The company has 50 employees and designs and manufactures over 300 moulds each year, with approximately 80% supplied to Europe and North America. It is ISO 9001:2015 certified and has worked with customers across several industries.