Injection Moulding Budget Planning 2026: Costs and Assumptions
Build a first-order budget from explicit assumptions and show which costs still need a quote. This page is a planning guide, not a Nordic/Baltic price survey or a resin-market index. The scenarios below use the same machine assumptions as our calculator and make no claim about current regional market prices.
Which assumptions are used?
All euro figures below are explicit planning assumptions, excluding VAT, rather than measured market averages or supplier offers. The machine rates match the Nordmould part-cost calculator: €32, €45, €58 and €75/hour. Actual quotations depend on the specified grade, geometry, machine, batch, inspection and delivery requirements. The previously published €3,000 tooling and 100-piece production figures are indicative planning starting points. Actual tooling price, minimum quantity, capability and lead time are confirmed in the written quotation.
| Machine class / assumed rate | €/h |
|---|---|
| 50–100 t | 32 |
| 130–250 t | 45 |
| 320–500 t | 58 |
| 650 t + | 75 |
How does the calculation work?
Assume tooling of €3,000 and recurring production of €1.20/part. Tool allocation alone is €30 at 100 parts, €6 at 500 and €3 at 1,000. Ordering excess stock only to reduce the displayed unit cost ties up cash and may leave obsolete parts. Compare a stable-design bridge tool against printing or machining using actual supplier quotes, and agree the tool-life target and replacement terms.
| Quantity | Tooling / Cost per part | Production / Cost per part | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | €30.00 | €1.20 | €3,120 |
| 500 | €6.00 | €1.20 | €3,600 |
| 1,000 | €3.00 | €1.20 | €4,200 |
Which option should you choose?
Illustrative alternatives: a €3,000 tool with €1.20 production cost per part, versus a €6,000 tool with €0.70 per part. The added €3,000 is recovered after 3,000 ÷ (1.20 − 0.70) = 6,000 usable parts, assuming equal quality, no further fixed costs and an unchanged design. Below that volume the cheaper tool has lower total cost; above it the second alternative does. This is a comparison model, not a quote for a particular cavity count.
| Quantity | Tooling A + Production | Tooling B + Production |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | €4,200 | €6,700 |
| 6,000 | €10,200 | €10,200 |
| 10,000 | €15,000 | €13,000 |
What should your RFQ include?
Send a STEP model and a PDF drawing with critical dimensions and cosmetic faces marked. State material grade or performance requirements, first-batch quantity, realistic annual demand, colour, finish and inspection documents. Include the delivery address and required date. Ask for tooling, setup, production, inspection, packaging and transport as separate items, plus tool ownership, maintenance and quote validity. Requirements for certification or regulated production are confirmed for the relevant facility at quotation.
Tooling · Cost per part · DFM / RFQ
Which references support the method?
The manufacturer references explain cost drivers and process limitations; they are not sources for our illustrative euro assumptions or proof of Nordmould capacity.
Frequently asked questions
What must the parts prove?
The previously published €3,000 tooling and 100-piece production figures are indicative planning starting points. Actual tooling price, minimum quantity, capability and lead time are confirmed in the written quotation.
Last reviewed: 2026-08