Detailing the Cost Factors of Custom Plastic Fabrication

There are a few things you will buy and use for years. Furniture and appliances come to mind, not to mention exercise equipment and other tools that can wear over time. Then there are some things you’ll outgrow, like toys or kids’ furniture.

All this has in common is that they’re all best when handmade and customizable. Custom plastic fabrication can be the best solution when you plan to add one of these things to your world.

Are you wondering about the cost of custom plastic? Keep reading to find out.

Let’s get into it!

The Complexity of the Design

The complexity of the design can affect the cost of plastic fabrication. The more complex the invention, the more difficult the fabrication process becomes.

In addition, multiple manufacturing techniques may need to be employed. This means that creating the part accurately and per design specifications can be more expensive.

Production costs can also be higher for those with strict precision requirements. In short, the more intricate or precise the design, the more expensive the cost of production may be.

The Types of Fabrication

Another cost factor that needs to be considered is the type of fabrication employed. There are manufacturing processes that may affect the cost, such as:

• Die cutting
• Welding
• Assembly
• Injection molding
• Thermoforming
• Extrusion

Injection molding is usually the most expensive because of the costly dies required to be made, as well as the upfront cost of the material. Welding can also be a pricey option due to the addition of welded jigs and fixtures.

However, thermoforming is usually more cost-effective since it does not require the same level of material input as the other processes. Understanding these factors can help to plan the type of fabrication to use.

Quantity of Parts and Labor Costs

The number of parts and labor costs are among the most critical factors. If the project requires large volumes of plastic parts, the prices will generally be lower as labor and material costs can be spread over a larger volume.

On smaller custom orders, the labor costs for cutting and molding may be slightly higher as the run time for each job is reduced. When price is a significant consideration, designers should look for ways to reduce the complexity of the design.

Instead, incorporate simple geometries or features that require less tooling and machining, resulting in lower costs.

Costs of Tools and Machine Parts

The cost of these tools and parts depends on the type of fabrication, the size, and the complexity of the job. In addition, the overall amount of time needed to complete it will also add up.

Additionally, the cost of plastic centerless grinding equipment can also impact the project’s overall cost. This type of grinding is used to produce parts with complex profile shapes and tight tolerances, thus requiring more precise and costly grinding machines and tools.

To learn more about this process, visit https://www.severna.com/capabilities/plastic-centerless-grinding/ for more insights.

An Overview of the Cost Factors of Custom Plastic Fabrication

The cost of custom plastic fabrication can vary greatly depending on project size and complexity. However, this can be reduced when considering the range of cost-saving factors.

Use this knowledge to create a better solution for your custom plastic projects. Get in touch with a plastic fabrication company today to learn more!

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