Injection Moulding Cost Per Part in the UK
Per-part costs depend on volume, material, and design. Rutland Plastics provides transparent pricing and expert advice to help you achieve the best value for your production.
Introduction
One of the key advantages of injection moulding is its ability to produce parts at very low cost once tooling has been created. While the mould itself can be a significant upfront investment, the cost per part in the UK often drops to just a few pence at higher volumes. Factors such as part size, complexity, material, and order volume all influence the final price per unit.
The Basics of Per-Part Costs
Per-part cost is calculated based on:
- Material used – type of thermoplastic.
- Machine time – cycle length and energy consumption.
- Labour – setup, monitoring, and secondary operations.
- Volume – higher volumes lower the cost per unit.
The more parts produced, the more the initial tooling cost is spread out, making injection moulding highly economical at scale.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of Cost Per Part
Why Costs Drop at Higher Volumes
- Economies of scale – the more parts produced, the lower the tooling cost per unit.
- Process efficiency – once setup is complete, production runs continuously with minimal waste.
- Material buying power – large orders may benefit from bulk purchasing.
The Role of Part Design in Cost Per Unit
Smart design can significantly reduce per-part costs. Optimising wall thickness, avoiding unnecessary complexity, and selecting the right gating system all help shorten cycle times and reduce material usage, lowering overall costs. It may also be worth considering a multi-impression tool
Advantages of Low Per-Part Costs
Materials and Their Influence on Cost
- Polypropylene (PP) – One Of The Most Affordable Resins, Used Widely In Consumer And Automotive Products.
- ABS – Slightly More Expensive, But Tough And Durable.
- Polycarbonate (PC) – Higher Cost, But Offers Transparency And Impact Resistance.
- Nylon (PA) – Used For Mechanical Strength But Adds To Per-unit Price.
- Specialist Resins – Flame-retardant Or Medical-grade Plastics Increase Costs.
Practical Example
A small plastic clip weighing just a few grams may cost only £0.01–£0.10 per part in large volumes. In contrast, a large component with more complex geometry could cost well over £10 per part, depending on material and order size.
Conclusion
The cost per part in UK injection moulding depends on multiple factors, but the process is one of the most economical methods for producing plastic components at volume. With transparent costings and expert guidance, Rutland Plastics helps businesses achieve excellent value from every production run.
FAQs – Injection Moulding Cost Per Part
Costs can range from a few pence for small, simple parts to several pounds for larger or complex mouldings.
Yes, the more parts produced, the lower the cost per part due to economies of scale.
Yes, commodity plastics are cheaper, while engineering or certified resins cost more.
Tooling is usually a separate one-off cost, but its value is amortised across each part.
Yes, by reviewing your design, material, and volume requirements, we provide transparent, tailored pricing.
