{"id":43640,"date":"2024-07-31T13:53:12","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T11:53:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/articles\/injection-molding-molds\/"},"modified":"2025-09-29T15:57:04","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T13:57:04","slug":"injection-moulding-moulds","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/injection-moulding-moulds\/","title":{"rendered":"Injection Moulding Moulds: Types, Lifespan and Design Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<div role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\" class=\"simpletoc wp-block-simpletoc-toc\"><h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#h-what-type-of-mould-is-used-in-injection-moulding\">What Type of Mould Is Used in Injection Moulding?<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#h-comparing-single-cavity-multi-cavity-and-family-moulds\">Comparing Single-cavity, Multi-cavity and Family Moulds<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#h-what-are-the-components-of-injection-moulding-moulds\">What Are the Components of Injection Moulding Moulds?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#h-what-is-injection-mould-life-expectancy\">What is Injection Mould Life Expectancy?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#h-get-injection-moulding-services-for-your-next-project\">Get Injection Moulding Services for Your Next Project<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.uk\/injection-moulding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Injection moulding<\/a> is a very efficient and widely used plastic manufacturing process for producing parts in large quantities. Mould development is a critical aspect of this process, essential for accurately shaping and forming molten plastic with high precision. The creation of moulds, as one of the first steps, demands great precision and accuracy to ensure the quality and consistency of the final products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are various ways to classify moulds in injection moulding, including by plate type, runner type, cavity design and class. Among these classifications, mould cavity design\u2014single-cavity, multi-cavity, and family moulds\u2014plays a pivotal role in determining production efficiency and quality. Single-cavity moulds are simpler and offer high-quality parts, ideal for low-volume production and intricate designs. Multi-cavity moulds enhance production speed and reduce the cost per part for large volumes, but require precise balancing to avoid defects. Family moulds allow for the simultaneous production of different parts, optimising manufacturing for multi-part products but increasing design complexity and the potential for defects.<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/injection-moulding-overview\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/injection-moulding-parts.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/injection-moulding-overview\/\" class=\"aside-link\">Injection Moulding Technology Overview<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n    <section class=\"article-author-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <div class=\"author-block\">\r\n                                        <div class=\"author-info\">\r\n                            <h4 class=\"author-name\">Dmitry Romanov<\/h4>\r\n                            <p class=\"author-position\">Lead Injection Moulding Engineer<\/p>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"quote-block\" style=\"border-color: #0E6AED;\">\r\n                    <p>When selecting the right mould type, it&#8217;s important to consider your immediate production needs but also the long-term performance and durability of the mould. Moulds are classified based on how long they&#8217;re expected to last. Class 101 moulds can handle over a million cycles, so they&#8217;re great for really high production levels. On the other hand, Class 105 moulds are good for up to 500 cycles, which makes them perfect for prototypes and low-volume production. At Xometry, we typically use moulds that last at least 10,000 shots for our injection moulding projects.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-type-of-mould-is-used-in-injection-moulding\"><strong>What Type of Mould Is Used in Injection Moulding?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Injection moulds can be categorised in several ways, each affecting various aspects of the production process. Here\u2019s a detailed look at these categories and their significance:<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-plate-type\"><strong>Plate Type<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The plate type influences the mould\u2019s cost, the finish of the final product, and overall production efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Two-Plate Moulds:<\/strong> Consist of two main parts\u2014the cavity and the core. They are simpler and less expensive but may have limitations in complex part designs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Three-Plate Moulds:<\/strong> Include an additional plate for separating parts from the runners, improving part ejection and quality. They are more versatile but also more costly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stacked Plate Moulds:<\/strong> Utilise multiple levels of cavities, doubling the output without increasing the footprint. They are ideal for high-volume production but require precise alignment and complex design.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"903\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/two-plate-three-plate-injection-mold.jpg\" alt=\"Diagram illustrating the differences between two types of injection molds: Three Plate Mold and Two Plate Mold\" class=\"wp-image-43511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/two-plate-three-plate-injection-mold.jpg 903w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/two-plate-three-plate-injection-mold-300x146.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/two-plate-three-plate-injection-mold-768x374.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 903px) 100vw, 903px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/two-plate-three-plate-injection-mold.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-43640\" data-caption=\"Comparison of injection moulds: Three plate mould vs two plate mould (Source: plasticmoulds.net\/)\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/two-plate-three-plate-injection-mold.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Comparison of injection moulds: Three plate mould vs two plate mould (Source: plasticmoulds.net\/)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-runner-type\"><strong>Runner Type<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The runner type impacts mould design flexibility, material waste, and the amount of post-processing required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cold-Runner Moulds:<\/strong> Use unheated channels to guide the molten plastic into the mould cavities. They are less expensive but require more post-processing to remove the runners from the final product.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hot-Runner Moulds:<\/strong> Incorporate heated channels, keeping the plastic molten until it reaches the cavities. They reduce waste and post-processing needs but are more complex and expensive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cold-hot-runner-injection-mold-1024x640.png\" alt=\"Diagram illustrating the differences between cold runner and hot runner injection mold\" class=\"wp-image-43523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cold-hot-runner-injection-mold-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cold-hot-runner-injection-mold-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cold-hot-runner-injection-mold-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cold-hot-runner-injection-mold-1536x961.png 1536w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cold-hot-runner-injection-mold-2048x1281.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cold-hot-runner-injection-mold.png\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-43640\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cold-hot-runner-injection-mold.png\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mould-cavity-design\"><strong>Mould Cavity Design<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The mould cavity design plays a crucial role in production efficiency and part quality, directly influencing the speed, cost, and consistency of the manufacturing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Single-Cavity Moulds: Single-cavity moulds<\/strong> produce one plastic part per injection cycle. This gives single-cavity models the slowest production times of the three types of moulds we are discussing. However, due to their size and relative simplicity, they are quite affordable to produce, making them a good option for small production volumes in which production speed isn\u2019t the biggest factor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Multi-Cavity Moulds: Multi-cavity moulds<\/strong> contain multiple cavities, as the name suggests. These moulds produce multiple copies of the same plastic product in each production cycle. They are ideal for mass production purposes, with high production speeds and a low price per part at large production volumes. Multi-cavity moulds are complex and expensive to design and produce, however this can be offset when working with large production volumes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Family Moulds:<\/strong> Family moulds are injection moulds that produce multiple different parts per production cycle. They are useful for manufacturing multi-part products quickly but are very complex to design and more prone to moulding defects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n    <section class=\"article-slider-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <!-- Swiper -->\r\n            <div class=\"swiper mySwiper2 article-slider-display\">\r\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/injection-molding-machine-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of an injection molding machine milling a metal mold for plastic manufacturing\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/injection-molding-machine-scaled.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"CNC machining can be used to manufacture metal injection moulds\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/injection-molding-machine-scaled.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Close-up of an injection molding machine milling a metal mold for plastic manufacturing\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>CNC machining can be used to manufacture metal injection moulds<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                                        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/injection-molding-mold-1.webp\" alt=\"Injection molding mold\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/injection-molding-mold-1.webp\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"Multi-cavity injection mould designed for high-volume production of identical parts\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/injection-molding-mold-1.webp\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Injection molding mold\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>Multi-cavity injection mould designed for high-volume production of identical parts<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                                        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Injection-family-mold-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"Injection family mold\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Injection-family-mold-scaled.jpeg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"Injection moulded parts from a family mould, illustrating the simultaneous production of different components\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Injection-family-mold-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Injection family mold\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>Injection moulded parts from a family mould, illustrating the simultaneous production of different components<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div thumbsSlider=\"\" class=\"swiper mySwiper article-slider-list\">\r\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\r\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/injection-molding-machine-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of an injection molding machine milling a metal mold for plastic manufacturing\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/injection-molding-mold-1.webp\" alt=\"Injection molding mold\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Injection-family-mold-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"Injection family mold\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                        <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n    \n\n\n<p>Additionally, the SPI (Society of the Plastics Industry) classifications provide a standardised method (Class 101 to 105) to evaluate mould life expectancy and suitability for different production volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-comparing-single-cavity-multi-cavity-and-family-moulds\"><strong>Comparing Single-cavity, Multi-cavity and Family Moulds<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The table below compares the three types of injection moulding moulds:<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/injection-moulding-finishes\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Injection-Moulding-SPI-Finishes-1.png\" alt=\"Injection Moulding SPI Finishes\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/injection-moulding-finishes\/\" class=\"aside-link\">Injection Moulding Surface Finishes: SPI and VDI<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n<div class=\"custom-table-block table-with-white-space\" id=\"table-id-83\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"search-input-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M15.7812 13.833L12.6659 10.7177C12.5252 10.5771 12.3346 10.499 12.1347 10.499H11.6253C12.4877 9.39596 13.0002 8.00859 13.0002 6.49937C13.0002 2.90909 10.0911 0 6.50083 0C2.91056 0 0.00146484 2.90909 0.00146484 6.49937C0.00146484 10.0896 2.91056 12.9987 6.50083 12.9987C8.01006 12.9987 9.39742 12.4863 10.5004 11.6239V12.1332C10.5004 12.3332 10.5786 12.5238 10.7192 12.6644L13.8345 15.7797C14.1282 16.0734 14.6032 16.0734 14.8938 15.7797L15.778 14.8954C16.0718 14.6017 16.0718 14.1267 15.7812 13.833ZM6.50083 10.499C4.29167 10.499 2.50122 8.71165 2.50122 6.49937C2.50122 4.29021 4.28855 2.49976 6.50083 2.49976C8.70999 2.49976 10.5004 4.28708 10.5004 6.49937C10.5004 8.70852 8.71311 10.499 6.50083 10.499Z\" fill=\"#476175\"\/>\r\n\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t<input type=\"search\" class=\"table-search-input\" id=\"table-search-83\" placeholder=\"Table search\">\r\n\t<\/div>\t\r\n\t<div class=\"table-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><b>Property<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><b>Single-Cavity Mould<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><b>Multi-Cavity Mould<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><b>Family Mould<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><b>Applications<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 High-quality plastic products (e.g. containers for which aesthetics matter).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Intricate geometries or designs with precise control over material flow and injection pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Prototypes with design changes and new mould iterations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Low-volume production in which cost is a more significant factor than production speed.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Large production volumes (over 40,000 products per month).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Applications for which price per part is the most important factor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2022 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High-demand products that require short lead times for high volumes (e.g. bottle caps or packaging).<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Multi-part products, for which all the parts can be manufactured in a single production cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Prototyping with multiple variations of parts being manufactured simultaneously.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Medium to large production volumes with the same part\u2019s material and colour.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><b>Cost<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">Low cost, with the simplest design and tooling requirements.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">High, requiring more complex design and tooling.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">Highest, due to being the most complex to design.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><b>Complexity<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">Low, as it doesn\u2019t require balancing of pressures between multiple cavities.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">High, with complex runner, cooling, and gate systems needed.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">Highest, with multiple different cavities requiring careful design to balance injection pressures and uniformity.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><b>Lead Time<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">Lowest, due to the simpler design process.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">High, requiring careful design.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">Highest, with a long design and simulation process.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><b>Production Speed<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">Slowest, limited to one part per injection cycle.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">Fastest, multiple copies of a part can be made simultaneously.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">Fast, multiple different parts can be made in a single injection cycle.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><b>Surface Quality<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">Highest, with minimal post-processing needed.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">High, with some post-processing needed and risk of defects.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">Medium, with the highest risk of unbalanced injection and defects.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><b>Advantages<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Lowest risk of moulding defects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 The simplest and fastest type of mould to design and manufacture.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Fastest production speed of the three mould cavity types.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 One mould can produce multiple different parts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Fast production speeds, especially for multi-part products.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><b>Disadvantages<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Lowest production efficiency (only one part can be produced at a time).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Highest cost per part at large production volumes.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Highly complex to design and manufacture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Requires higher maintenance than single-cavity moulds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 More prone to unbalanced injections and moulding defects than single-cavity moulds.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Very complex to design and manufacture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 Long lead times for new mould designs, due to design complexity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 12pt;\">\u2022 More post-processing is required than for single- or multi-cavity moulds.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<style>\r\n\t.custom-table-block table{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper{\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 24px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper svg{\r\n\t\tposition: absolute;\r\n\t\ttop:50%;\r\n\t\tleft:12px;\r\n\t\ttransform: translateY(-50%);\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input{\r\n\t\tpadding: 0 0 0 40px;\r\n\t\tborder:1px solid #C1CAD1;\r\n\t\theight: 44px;\r\n\t\twidth: 201px;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input::placeholder{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\twhite-space:nowrap;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead{\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 14px;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody tr:nth-child(odd){\r\n\t\tbackground-color: #F6F9FF;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody, .custom-table-block thead, .custom-table-block tr, .custom-table-block td, .custom-table-block th{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tpadding: 7px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 700;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th:after{\r\n\t\tcontent:\"\";\r\n\t\tdisplay: inline-block;\r\n\t\tbackground-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='12' height='8' viewBox='0 0 12 8' fill='none' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cpath d='M10.585 0.585938L6 5.17094L1.415 0.585938L0 2.00094L6 8.00094L12 2.00094L10.585 0.585938Z' fill='%23476175'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E%0A\");\r\n\t\tmargin-left: 8px;\r\n\t\tbackground-position: center center;\r\n\t\tbackground-size: 12px 7.5px;\r\n\t\tbackground-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\twidth: 24px;\r\n\t\theight: 12px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block{\r\n\t\tmargin: 20px 0;\t\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\twidth: 100%;\r\n\t\toverflow-x: auto;\r\n\t}\r\n\t@media(max-width: 768px){\r\n\t\t\/* .custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\t\twhite-space: nowrap;\r\n\t\t} *\/\r\n\t\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\t\tmax-width: calc(100vw - 16px);\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-components-of-injection-moulding-moulds\"><strong>What Are the Components of Injection Moulding Moulds?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The injection moulding mould itself consists of several components, each with its own specific function within the mould.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"955\" height=\"378\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/two-plate-injection-mold.png\" alt=\"Diagram of a two-plate mold with labeled components\" class=\"wp-image-43571\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/two-plate-injection-mold.png 955w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/two-plate-injection-mold-300x119.png 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/two-plate-injection-mold-768x304.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 955px) 100vw, 955px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/two-plate-injection-mold.png\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-43640\" data-caption=\"Detailed structure of a two-plate mould with labeled parts (Source: CustomPartNet)\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/two-plate-injection-mold.png\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Detailed structure of a two-plate mould with labeled parts (Source: CustomPartNet)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The components are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mould base:<\/strong> The mould base or mould frame is the foundational infrastructure for the mould assembly, providing rigidity and strength against the internal pressure experienced during injection moulding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cavity:<\/strong> The cavity, or cavities, shape the external geometry of the part. The cavity and the core form two halves of the final mould cavity in which the molten plastic is injected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Core:<\/strong> The core shapes the internal geometry of the part, and mates with the cavity to form the mould cavity. Multi-cavity and family moulds will have multiple pairs of cavities and cores for the multiple parts that they produce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inserts: <\/strong>Inserts are separate components that may be inserted into the mould to create specific geometric features. They are separate from the cavity and core but also help form the internal and external geometries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Runner system:<\/strong> The runner system distributes molten plastic throughout the mould cavity to ensure an even distribution of material. They are a network of channels that ultimately end in gates, which are the openings into the mould cavities. Good runner system design is vital for ensuring even material distribution and minimising defects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nozzle &amp; sprue bushing:<\/strong> The nozzle controls how the molten plastic flows into the mould from the feeding system of the injection moulding machine. The sprue bushing is a component of the mould that positions the nozzle to ensure it is centered and aligned.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ejector pins:<\/strong> They are used to help eject the part from the mould after it has solidified and the mould has been opened. The part can potentially stick to the mould cavity, and ejector pins are used to automatically provide a force that ejects the part from the mould.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cooling system:<\/strong> The cooling system helps maintain the temperature of the mould in order to prevent damage and maintain quality of the finished part.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Venting system: <\/strong>The venting system provides a way for air and gases to escape from the mould during the injection process. This system consists of various channels, pins, and grooves that allow air to escape, but are small enough to keep plastic inside.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Guides:<\/strong> The guides of the mould are a series of bushings, sleeves, and guiding pins on the two halves of the mould that help with alignment and assembly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-injection-mould-life-expectancy\"><strong>What is Injection Mould Life Expectancy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The life expectancy of an injection mould is determined by the number of moulding cycles it can perform, with each cycle consisting of the mould opening and closing. Several factors influence this lifespan, including the mould class, operating conditions, environment, maintenance practices, and the materials used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) categorises injection moulds into five distinct classes, which are independent of the mould cavity classification. Each class is characterised by specific criteria defined by the SPI, ensuring standardised evaluation for mould life expectancy and suitability for various production volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The table below compares the 5 injection mould classes:<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/topic\/vacuum-casting-or-injection-moulding-for-20-30-pcs\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/community-icon-1.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/topic\/vacuum-casting-or-injection-moulding-for-20-30-pcs\/\" class=\"aside-link\">Topic: Vacuum casting or injection moulding for 20-30 pcs?<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n<div class=\"custom-table-block table-with-white-space\" id=\"table-id-253\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"search-input-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M15.7812 13.833L12.6659 10.7177C12.5252 10.5771 12.3346 10.499 12.1347 10.499H11.6253C12.4877 9.39596 13.0002 8.00859 13.0002 6.49937C13.0002 2.90909 10.0911 0 6.50083 0C2.91056 0 0.00146484 2.90909 0.00146484 6.49937C0.00146484 10.0896 2.91056 12.9987 6.50083 12.9987C8.01006 12.9987 9.39742 12.4863 10.5004 11.6239V12.1332C10.5004 12.3332 10.5786 12.5238 10.7192 12.6644L13.8345 15.7797C14.1282 16.0734 14.6032 16.0734 14.8938 15.7797L15.778 14.8954C16.0718 14.6017 16.0718 14.1267 15.7812 13.833ZM6.50083 10.499C4.29167 10.499 2.50122 8.71165 2.50122 6.49937C2.50122 4.29021 4.28855 2.49976 6.50083 2.49976C8.70999 2.49976 10.5004 4.28708 10.5004 6.49937C10.5004 8.70852 8.71311 10.499 6.50083 10.499Z\" fill=\"#476175\"\/>\r\n\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t<input type=\"search\" class=\"table-search-input\" id=\"table-search-253\" placeholder=\"Table search\">\r\n\t<\/div>\t\r\n\t<div class=\"table-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 8.37629%;\"><b>Mould Class<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.1443%;\"><b>Cycles<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 14.1753%;\"><b>Production Level<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 27.8351%;\"><b>Uses<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 36.2113%;\"><b>Investment<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 8.37629%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class 101 Mould<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.1443%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 million or more<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 14.1753%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extremely high<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 27.8351%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ideal for high-volume production with fast cycles<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 36.2113%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class 101 moulds are the most expensive, crafted from top-tier materials<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 8.37629%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class 102 Mould<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.1443%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not exceeding 1 million<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 14.1753%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medium to high<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 27.8351%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suitable for parts requiring durable plastic materials and tight tolerances<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 36.2113%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class 102 moulds are quite expensive, made with high-quality materials<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 8.37629%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class 103 Mould<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.1443%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not exceeding 500,000<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 14.1753%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 27.8351%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commonly used for low to medium production runs<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 36.2113%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class 103 moulds are priced moderately, falling within average price ranges<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 8.37629%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class 104 Mould<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.1443%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not exceeding 100,000<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 14.1753%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 27.8351%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best for limited runs with non-abrasive materials<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 36.2113%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class 104 moulds are lower in cost, suitable for limited to moderate production runs<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 8.37629%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class 105 Mould<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.1443%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not exceeding 500<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 14.1753%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Very low<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 27.8351%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Used primarily for prototyping<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 36.2113%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class 105 moulds are the least expensive, designed for producing a limited number of prototype parts<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<style>\r\n\t.custom-table-block table{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper{\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 24px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper svg{\r\n\t\tposition: absolute;\r\n\t\ttop:50%;\r\n\t\tleft:12px;\r\n\t\ttransform: translateY(-50%);\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input{\r\n\t\tpadding: 0 0 0 40px;\r\n\t\tborder:1px solid #C1CAD1;\r\n\t\theight: 44px;\r\n\t\twidth: 201px;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input::placeholder{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\twhite-space:nowrap;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead{\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 14px;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody tr:nth-child(odd){\r\n\t\tbackground-color: #F6F9FF;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody, .custom-table-block thead, .custom-table-block tr, .custom-table-block td, .custom-table-block th{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tpadding: 7px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 700;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th:after{\r\n\t\tcontent:\"\";\r\n\t\tdisplay: inline-block;\r\n\t\tbackground-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='12' height='8' viewBox='0 0 12 8' fill='none' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cpath d='M10.585 0.585938L6 5.17094L1.415 0.585938L0 2.00094L6 8.00094L12 2.00094L10.585 0.585938Z' fill='%23476175'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E%0A\");\r\n\t\tmargin-left: 8px;\r\n\t\tbackground-position: center center;\r\n\t\tbackground-size: 12px 7.5px;\r\n\t\tbackground-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\twidth: 24px;\r\n\t\theight: 12px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block{\r\n\t\tmargin: 20px 0;\t\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\twidth: 100%;\r\n\t\toverflow-x: auto;\r\n\t}\r\n\t@media(max-width: 768px){\r\n\t\t\/* .custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\t\twhite-space: nowrap;\r\n\t\t} *\/\r\n\t\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\t\tmax-width: calc(100vw - 16px);\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-injection-moulding-services-for-your-next-project\"><strong>Get Injection Moulding Services for Your Next Project<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/injection-molding-design-tips\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/injection-moulding-draft-angles-1440x584-1.webp\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/injection-molding-design-tips\/\" class=\"aside-link\">Design Tips for Injection Moulding<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<p>Choosing the right mould is just the beginning of the plastic manufacturing process. Once the mould type is selected based on your production needs and SPI classification, the next steps involve finalising and validating your design. This includes reviewing the CAD file for any necessary adjustments, producing the T1 sample to test and verify the mould&#8217;s performance, and making any required modifications to ensure optimal part quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After validating the mould, you can proceed with full-scale production, ensuring that all parameters are set correctly for consistent, high-quality output. Partnering with experienced manufacturers, like Xometry Europe, provides the injection moulding<a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/injection-moulding-uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> expertise<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/articles\/injection-moulding-eu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">resources<\/a> needed for successful and efficient production. Begin your injection moulding project confidently by using our <a href=\"https:\/\/get.xometry.eu\/?locale=en\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/get.xometry.uk\/?locale=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instant Quoting Engine<\/a> to get a free quote for your next project.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":43503,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","categories":[],"c-tag-articles":[],"global-tag":[616],"class_list":["post-43640","articles","type-articles","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","global-tag-injection-moulding-uk"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.7 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Injection Moulding Moulds: Types, Lifespan and Design Tips | Xometry Pro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This article explores the different types of moulds used in plastic injection moulding, discussing their ideal applications, and lifespan.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/injection-moulding-moulds\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Injection Moulding Moulds: Types, Lifespan and Design Tips | Xometry Pro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This article explores the different types of moulds used in plastic injection moulding, discussing their ideal applications, and lifespan.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/injection-moulding-moulds\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Xometry Pro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-29T13:57:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/complex-injection-mold-scaled.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1706\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/injection-moulding-moulds\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/injection-moulding-moulds\\\/\",\"name\":\"Injection Moulding Moulds: Types, Lifespan and Design Tips | Xometry Pro\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/injection-moulding-moulds\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/injection-moulding-moulds\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/complex-injection-mold-scaled.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-07-31T11:53:12+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-29T13:57:04+00:00\",\"description\":\"This article explores the different types of moulds used in plastic injection moulding, discussing their ideal applications, and lifespan.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/injection-moulding-moulds\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/injection-moulding-moulds\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/injection-moulding-moulds\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/complex-injection-mold-scaled.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/complex-injection-mold-scaled.jpeg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1706,\"caption\":\"Press form. 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