When you develop or design engineer a new thermoplastic part, speed and cost-efficiency are critical during the entire product development process. In order to avoid mistakes after invested in expensive mass production molds short run or prototype moulds can be made.
A second reason to opt for short run molds is that final products is exclusive and only made in small quantities.
At our company Triple-c Injection Molds China, we specialize besides mass injection molding in short-run injection mold solutions for volumes between 100 (hundred) to 2,000 shots. Choosing the right mold material ensures your project stays on time and within budget.
the top 5 materials for low volume molds
1. Aluminum (6061 / 7075)
- Fast to machine, lightweight, and ideal for rapid prototyping
- Best suited for non-abrasive materials and simple geometries
- Typical lifespan: up to 2,000 shots
2. P20 Tool Steel
- Offers greater durability than aluminum while still cost-effective
- Ideal for textured surfaces and more complex designs
- Suitable for 5,000+ cycles in many cases
3. 3D Printed Tooling
- Rapid turnaround, especially for concept testing
- Best for simple shapes and low-temp plastics
- Typical lifespan: 100–500 shots
4. Epoxy or Urethane Mold Systems
- Extremely low cost and fast fabrication
- Suitable for early-stage testing or display models
- Lifespan: typically under 200 shots
5. Hybrid Aluminum-Steel Molds
- Combine aluminum bases with steel inserts in wear areas
- Great for glass-filled plastics or tight tolerances
🔸 How to Choose?
Choosing the best mold material depends on:
- The total Shot quantity of your part that is required
- Plastic resin used (e.g., PP, ABS, GF-Nylon)
- Part complexity and finish
- Lead time requirements
Our tooling engineer experts can help you evaluate the best option for your application.
