Custom mold development for plastic bottles and jars
A new bottle shape starts as a drawing and ends as a trial sample on a production machine. Here is exactly what happens in between, what it costs and how long it takes.
From idea to first mold sample
Each step ends with something you approve in writing: a drawing, a printed model, then a real sample.
Drawing
You send a sketch, 3D file or physical sample. We return a dimensioned drawing with wall thickness, neck finish, weight and shrinkage allowance.
≈ 7 days3D printed sample
A prototype is printed so you can hold the shape, check the pump fit and photograph it for your own approval process.
≈ 7 daysMold making & trial
The tool is cut, mounted and trialled. You receive samples from the real mold plus a report on weight, capacity and leak test.
≈ 35 daysProduction
Once the mold sample is signed off, production, decoration and packing follow on the same site.
15–30 days
What drives the tooling cost
Quotes vary between suppliers mostly because of these five things. Ask about each one before you compare prices.
- Cavity count — a 1-cavity tool is cheaper, a 4-cavity tool cycles faster per piece
- Steel grade — hardened steel lasts longer for large annual volumes
- Shape complexity — undercuts, handles and heavy walls need slides and more machining hours
- Surface finish — polished, frosted or textured cavities cost differently
- Sample rounds — each trial round consumes machine time and material
We advise on practicality, drawings and 3D samples before mold making, which is where most unnecessary cost and delay are avoided.
Start with a stock shape if volumes are small. Over 500 designs are already on file — you can launch with a stock mold in your own colour and print, then cut a proprietary mold when the product proves itself.
Send these four things and we can quote today
The product
What goes inside: viscosity, chemical aggressiveness, whether it contains alcohol or solvents.
Capacity & closure
Nominal volume, and whether you need a pump, sprayer, flip cap, disc cap or dropper.
Shape reference
A sketch, a 3D file, a photo of a competitor bottle or simply the proportions you want.
Volume & market
First order quantity, annual volume, and destination country for compliance documents.