February 28, 2026
The mold (or die) is your biggest upfront cost. How you manage it dictates your ROI.
Multi-Cavity Dies: If your volume is high, moving from a single-cavity to a multi-cavity die reduces the cost per part by producing multiple units in a single shot.
Unit Dies: For smaller parts, consider using a unit die (a replaceable insert that fits into a standard master holder). This is much cheaper than building a complete standalone mold base.
Premium Tool Steel: It sounds counterintuitive, but using high-quality H13 or equivalent steel for the die inserts prevents premature heat checking and extends the tool life, saving money on replacements.