STOP overpaying for injection molds

The secret to lower tooling costs isn't just procurement - it's in your 3D geometry.

 
A few smart "Design for Manufacturing"  tweaks can slash your tooling budget significantly. If your design requires complex side-actions or slow EDM machining, costs skyrocket instantly. Here is your 7-point checklist to keep injection mold costs down. 

1. The "Open-Close" Rule (Keep it Simple)
The most economical mold is a simple two-plate mechanism.
The Cost: Every slider or lifter needed for complex kinematics adds roughly 20–30% to the tool price and increases maintenance risks.

2. Eliminate Undercuts smartly
Don't default to expensive sliders.
Solution: Use "Shut-offs" (designing through-holes so the core and cavity interlock), shift the parting line to expose the feature, or use "bump-offs" for flexible materials.

3. Radii > Sharp Corners
CNC machines hate internal 90° corners. They require slow, expensive EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining).
The Fix: Use internal radii wherever possible. Rule: Radius should be at least 1/3 of the pocket depth for standard milling.

4. Respect the Draft
Lack of draft means stuck parts and surface damage.
Standard: Min. 1°–2°.
Textures: Add an extra 1° draft for every 0.02mm of texture depth (VDI).

5.  Watch Rib Geometry & Sink
Deep, narrow slots in a mold break tools.
Ratio: Keep rib depth-to-width ratio under 3:1.
No Sink: Rib base thickness should be max 60% of the main wall thickness to prevent surface depressions.

6. Be realistic about Surface Finish
High-gloss polishing is a manual, expensive process.
Budget Friendly: "As Machined" (visible tool marks) or technical textures/bead blasting to mask imperfections.

7. Markings: Raised vs. Recessed
How you brand your part matters.
Do: Raised text on the part (easy to engrave into the mold).
Avoid: Recessed text on the part (requires expensive machining around the letters in the mold).