Choosing the right manufacturing method can require strategic consideration. On one side, there’s Injection Moulding—fast, consistent, and brilliant for bulk production. On the other hand, 3D Printing is flexible, low-barrier, and perfect for rapid prototyping or custom jobs. But when it comes to cost, how do you decide which one’s better? Let’s break it down!
Upfront Costs: Moulding Is a Heavy Hitter
Injection molding has one major downside right out of the gate: tooling costs. Molds can cost thousands (sometimes tens of thousands) to create. That’s because they’re machined from steel or aluminum and need to be perfect.
If you’re making 5,000+ identical parts, that tooling cost gets spread out. That makes sense, right? But if you’re only making 50 or even 500? This can become cost-efficient for smaller runs.
3D printing, on the other hand, doesn’t need tooling at all. You’ve got your CAD file? You can hit ‘print’ and get going. That’s a massive cost saver for low-volume runs or one-offs.
Per-Part Cost: Depends on Volume
Here's where things shift. Once the molds are made, injection molding becomes incredibly cheap per part. We’re talking pennies in high volumes. Machines can pop out thousands of parts a day. Labor? Minimal. Materials? Optimized.
But with 3D printed parts, each one takes time. Printers are getting faster, sure, but you’re still printing layer by layer. Plus, materials like resins or filaments cost more per gram than bulk plastic pellets used in molding.
So if you’re producing hundreds of thousands of parts? Injection molding wins on per-unit cost. If you’re making 100 parts or constantly changing designs? 3D printing still holds the crown.
Design Flexibility: Printing Takes the Lead
Let’s be honest—design changes happen. Maybe something doesn’t fit right. Or you’ve got a last-minute tweak.
With injection molding, even a small design change means retooling. That’s more money and lost time.
3D Printing? Just update the file and print it again. Minimal disruption, minimal delay. It’s this flexibility that makes printing ideal for prototyping or anything requiring frequent revisions.
Time to Market: Depends on What You Need
If you need a few prototypes or custom parts within 24 hours? 3D printing is your best mate, no tooling—no setup, just fast output.
Need 10,000 identical parts in a week for your next product drop? Injection molding pulls ahead. Once that mold’s in place, it’s a scalable production method.
Hidden Costs: Think Long-Term
It’s not just about parts and tools. Think about:
- Waste: Moulding often has sprues and runners —plastic byproducts. Printing uses only what it needs.
- Storage: Injection molds and bulk parts take up space. With 3D printing, you make it when you need it.
- Maintenance: Moulds wear out over time. Printers need regular checks, too, but swapping a nozzle is cheaper than retooling a mold.
Bonus Tip: Design for Future Scalability — Even if You’re Printing Today
If you plan to shift from 3D printing to injection molding later, start designing with moldability in mind from day one.
Design features like sharp internal corners, complex undercuts, or unsupported thin walls may print well, but they’ll increase mold complexity and cost later.
A mold-friendly design from the start avoids expensive reworks when you scale.
Conclusion
It really comes down to volume and purpose.
- Need high volumes, consistency, and long-term production? Injection molding wins.
- Need low volumes, fast iterations, or personalized parts? Go with 3D Printing.
We at Mech Power help you weigh your options with clear guidance and no technical complexity. Whether you need molds for mass production or want high-quality 3D-printed parts for your next prototype, we’ve got the tools, tech, and team to bring your ideas to life.
Need help, choosing? Let’s talk. We’ll help you find the smart path forward—no stress, just solid solutions.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for small quantities and prototypes. But molding becomes cheaper as there are more products.
The mold itself. It costs a lot to create, but it yields significant cost savings over large production volumes.
Of course. Many businesses use printed parts to make their final goods, especially in niche or custom markets.
Once it's set up, molding is a lot faster for huge quantities.
Normally, injection molding produces a smoother surface, but you may improve printed parts by putting in more effort on them.
Yes! Depending on your project, we can provide you with professional advice and services for both injection molding and 3D printing.