How long does it take to make an injection mould?

Often several weeks for a simple mould and longer for large or complex ones; ask for a schedule with the quotation.

Single or multi-cavity mould?

A single cavity costs less to make; multi-cavity moulds make parts faster and cheaper each in high volume. The yearly quantity decides.

Usually the buyer who pays for it, while the moulder keeps and maintains it. Agree ownership and maintenance in writing.

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Injection mould making

Also called: plastic mould making, mould maker, injection mold making, mould design, tool room work

Injection mould making is the tool-room work of designing and building the steel mould that shapes plastic parts. A mould maker machines the cavity and core, adds runners, cooling and ejection, then trials the mould on a machine before parts are made in volume.

Quick facts

Main steps: Design, steel ordering, machining, EDM, polishing, assembly, trial
Common steels: P20 / 1.2738 for cavities, H13 for hard-wearing or hot parts
Cavities: Single or multi-cavity, chosen by the yearly quantity
Lead time: Typically several weeks, depending on size and complexity
Priced: Once for the mould, then per part for moulding
Ownership: Usually the buyer's, kept at the moulder

How a mould is made

Part review: draft angles, wall thickness, undercuts and gate position
Mould design: cavities, runners (cold or hot runner), cooling channels, ejection
Machining the cavity and core on VMCs, then spark EDM for ribs and sharp corners
Polishing or texturing the surfaces
Assembly, fitting and the first trial on an injection moulding machine
Corrections, then approval of first samples

What decides the price

Part size and complexity, including side actions for undercuts
Number of cavities
Steel grade and hardness
Hot runner or cold runner
Surface finish: polished, textured or plain
Required mould life (number of shots)

What to send a mould maker

3D model (STEP) of the part and a drawing with critical dimensions
Plastic material and grade
Yearly quantity, which decides cavities and steel
Surface finish and colour
Whether you also need moulding, and who will own the mould

Need injection mould making done?

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Related job work

Machines

Materials

Questions

How long does it take to make an injection mould?: Often several weeks for a simple mould and longer for large or complex ones; ask for a schedule with the quotation.
Single or multi-cavity mould?: A single cavity costs less to make; multi-cavity moulds make parts faster and cheaper each in high volume. The yearly quantity decides.
Who owns the mould?: Usually the buyer who pays for it, while the moulder keeps and maintains it. Agree ownership and maintenance in writing.

The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 8 October 2026.