When purchasing a mould, do you only consider the initial investment? Or do you calculate the actual cost of producing a part over its entire lifespan? A low purchase price might seem attractive, but it often results in high operational costs. In this article, you'll learn how an investment in quality improves your return.
Total Cost of Ownership as a guide
The cost of a plastic product consists of more than just raw materials and machine hours. The depreciation and maintenance of the mould carry significant weight. We advise you to consider the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
A Sustainable injection mould is designed for a long service life and high production volumes. The higher initial investment is recouped through lower maintenance costs. Ultimately, this results in a lower cost price per manufactured component.
Win through shorter cycle times
Time is money in the manufacturing world. Machine costs make up a large part of the unit cost. An efficiently designed mould cools faster and opens sooner.
By reducing the cycle time by a few seconds, your output per hour increases considerably. This means that fixed machine costs are distributed over more products. At Euro-Techniek, we optimise cooling to achieve this maximum speed.
Less downtime and repairs
Inexpensive moulds are often made from softer steel types. These wear out faster, leading to burring and dimensional inaccuracies. This forces you into frequent production stoppages for repair or refurbishment.
Unplanned downtime is disastrous for your delivery reliability and planning. A high-quality die made from hardened steel retains its precision for longer. You can continue production without costly interruptions.
Factors Determining Your Margin
Cost optimisation is in the details of the process. A stable mould ensures predictability in your calculations. The following aspects contribute directly to a better margin:
- Minimal scrap due to consistent product quality.
- Long waiting times between servicing.
- Less supervision is required from operators during production.
- No need for expensive product post-processing.
Refurbishment instead of new build
Is your mould worn out after years of loyal service? A durably constructed mould can often be refurbished. Critical parts are designed to be replaceable.
This means you don’t have to invest in a completely new tool straight away. A targeted overhaul will significantly extend its service life. This is a cost-effective way to maintain your production capacity.
Cost optimisation with sustainable injection moulds requires a long-term vision. By investing in quality, speed, and reliability, you reduce the overall cost price. This builds a profitable and stable production process. Would you like to calculate what a high-quality mould could yield for you? Explore the possibilities of our toolmaking workshop or get in touch with Euro-Techniek for a TCO analysis.
Frequently asked questions about cost optimisation with sustainable injection moulds
This depends on the volume to be produced and the type of plastic. For large series or glass-filled materials, hardened steel is essential. It prevents rapid wear and guarantees long-term dimensional stability.
The influence is significant. An optimal cooling design can considerably reduce cycle time, depending on the product and the mould. This translates directly into a proportional decrease in machine costs per product.
The use of standard parts makes maintenance cheaper and faster. Replacement parts are immediately available, which minimises downtime. Custom parts need to be specially made, which is more expensive.
