Hello,

As you would appreciate, this is not simply a “after so many units” answer. In fact, we need to look at a number of factors such as part geometry, required delivery time, and material to be used to choose the most cost-effective production method.

• In plastic injection, the mold cost decreases as it is divided by the number of parts produced. So, the more you produce, the more advantageous it will become.
• In layered manufacturing, it’s a bit different. Generally, the unit cost is lower, but when producing parts of low to medium quantity, factors such as setup time and material costs come into play and can make it more expensive than plastic injection. If we look at the graph on the right, we can clearly see this. However, remember that this graph only shows the change in unit cost depending on the quantity. If you notice, the intersection point is somewhere between 100-1000 units. At Xometry, we can recommend the most suitable production method for you according to the part design, delivery time, material properties, and project requirements. Important Notes:
• Plastic injection molding is generally more economical for high quantity and relatively simple parts.
• If you have low quantity or more complex design parts, if you need quick prototypes or if you need to make design changes frequently, layered manufacturing may be a better choice for you.
• Xometry offers services such as project support and DfM (Design for Manufacture) analysis to help you optimize your design for both traditional and layered manufacturing. For more information, you can contact us at info@xometry.com.tr.

In Conclusion: The best price/unit balance does not depend solely on the number of units produced. Xometry, with its expertise in both fields, guides you and helps you choose the most effective solution for your project.