Factors Influencing Tooling Costs

The cost of a tool depends on several factors. Large production volumes often require more complex tooling to produce multiple parts per cycle, which can increase the initial tool investment but reduce the overall per-part cost. Abrasive materials demand fully hardened tooling to maintain tool life, while larger components necessitate correspondingly larger tools, which may limit modular options. Similarly, complex designs with features such as undercuts, threads, or angled through-holes require additional tooling considerations, further impacting cost.

Factors that increase tooling cost: 

  • Quantity of part required, to reduce cost the number of tool cavities (parts produced in each cycle) needs to be increased,
  • Abrasive material such as glassed filled PA will need fully tooling to ensure tool life
  • Product size, large parts require large tools, so modular tooling options may not be an option
  • Product complexity, small details such as undercuts, threads, holes through at different angles require extra tooling features.

Factors that reduce tooling cost:

  • Lower quality of parts required
  • Non-abrasive materials
  • Product size, smaller parts may fit into a modular system,              
  • Simpler and smaller parts are easier to produce in a modular system. We have system for open and closed grommets, spacers and washers, and smaller parts, typically below 50g.

Bespoke Tooling Proposals

Every project is unique, which is why we offer bespoke tooling proposals. Our team works closely with you to identify the most efficient and cost-effective tooling solution, providing options for both tooling and part pricing. Whether you need rapid prototyping, small batch production, or high-volume runs in high-performance polymers, PRP ensures that your tooling delivers the quality and performance your project demands.