Tooling Cost &
Ownership Explained.
At YMS, we believe mold investment should be clear, fair, and protected. This page explains every aspect of tooling--from design and materials to payment milestones, ownership rights, and long-term maintenance.
Precision Tooling
for Silicone
Steel-grade molds engineered for 500k+ shots lifespan.
01 -- Design Costs
Mold Design Cost Composition.
Every mold starts with precise engineering. Design costs reflect the technical expertise required to translate your product idea into a manufacturable, high-performance tool.
3D Modeling
Detailed CAD modeling and structural analysis of your product to ensure manufacturability.
Flow Simulation
Silicone flow analysis to optimize gate position, cavity layout and prevent defects.
Tooling Drawings
Engineering blueprints, cavity structure, cooling systems and ejection mechanisms.
DFM Review
Design-for-Manufacturing feedback with recommendations to reduce cost and risk.
02 -- Materials & Machining
Mold Material & Processing Costs.
We use premium tooling steel sourced from certified suppliers, machined with CNC precision and finished by skilled technicians to deliver long-lasting, high-cavity molds.
Steel Grade Selection
P20, 718H, S136, NAK80, H13--selected based on expected lifespan, product complexity, and surface finish requirements.
Cavity Configuration
Single-cavity, multi-cavity, or family molds. More cavities increase mold cost but reduce unit price at mass production.
CNC Machining & EDM
High-precision CNC, EDM wire cutting, mirror polishing and texturing. Tolerance controlled within ±0.1mm.
Heat Treatment & Finishing
Hardening, nitriding, chrome plating and surface treatments to extend mold life and ensure consistent output.
03 -- Trial & Modification
Mold Trial & Modification Costs.
Mold trials (T1, T2, T3) ensure your product meets specifications before mass production. Transparent policy on what's included and what involves additional charges.
First Trial
Initial sample production for dimensional, functional and visual verification. Included in mold cost.
- ✦ Sample delivery within 7-10 days
- ✦ Full inspection report
- ✦ Issue analysis & recommendations
Second Trial
Trial after minor adjustments based on T1 feedback. Minor tweaks included.
- ✦ Fine-tuning of gate, venting, polishing
- ✦ Updated sample batch
- ✦ Re-inspection report
Design Change
Major structural changes initiated by the client. Quoted separately.
- ✦ Transparent change-order quote
- ✦ Written approval before execution
- ✦ No hidden fees
04 -- Price Factors
Factors Affecting Mold Price.
Understand what drives the final cost of your tooling. Here are the key variables we assess during quotation.
Product Size & Complexity
Larger, more complex geometries require bigger mold bases and more machining hours.
Number of Cavities
More cavities raise the mold cost but significantly reduce per-piece production cost.
Mold Steel Grade
Premium steels like S136 or H13 cost more but ensure higher durability and finish quality.
Expected Lifespan
Molds designed for 500k+ shots require hardened steel and more robust construction.
Surface Finish & Texture
Mirror polishing, VDI texturing or custom logos add machining time and cost.
Lead Time Requirement
Rush projects may require overtime and premium scheduling, affecting final pricing.
05 -- Payment Terms
Mold Payment Milestones.
We follow a transparent, phased payment schedule aligned with critical project milestones to protect both parties.
Milestone 1 -- Order Confirmation
Paid upon signing the mold agreement. We begin design and procurement of raw materials.
Milestone 2 -- T1 Sample Approval
Paid after T1 sample is approved. Mold enters refinement and final finishing phase.
Milestone 3 -- Final Approval
Paid upon final mold validation and before mass production begins.
06 -- Ownership
Mold Ownership Agreement.
Once the full payment is received, you own the mold. We treat your intellectual property with absolute confidentiality and respect.
Exclusive Property
The mold belongs exclusively to you upon final payment, free from any claims.
No Third-Party Use
We will never use your mold to produce goods for any other brand or client.
NDA Protected
All design files, product specs and tooling details are protected under NDA.
Ownership Certificate
Written documentation confirming your legal ownership of the mold.
Climate Controlled
Dedicated mold warehouse with humidity & temperature control.
07 -- Maintenance
Mold Storage & Maintenance.
After mass production, your mold is stored and maintained at our facility free of charge during active production cycles.
Free Storage During Active Production
No storage fees while placing orders at least once every 12 months.
Routine Cleaning & Oil Protection
After each production run, molds are cleaned, oiled and inspected before storage.
Scheduled Repair & Refurbishment
Wear repairs after 100k+ shots quoted separately and transparently.
Status Reports on Request
Request mold condition reports and photos anytime.
08 -- Future Use
Mold Future Use & Transfer.
You retain full flexibility over your mold--continue production with us, pause for later, or request a physical transfer.
Continue Production
Place reorders anytime. We keep your mold ready for seamless, fast-turnaround production.
Long-Term Storage
Pause production and store your mold with us. Nominal annual storage fee applies after 12 months of inactivity.
Physical Transfer
Request shipment of your mold to another facility. We provide safe packaging and all tooling documentation.
Advance Notice Required
Please provide 30 days' notice for transfer requests to ensure proper preparation.
09 -- Get Started
Request Your Mold Quote.
Share your product details and we'll return a transparent, itemized tooling quote within 48 hours.
Submit Specifications
Product drawings, 3D files, target volume and expected lifespan.
Receive DFM & Quote
Itemized tooling cost, DFM recommendations and timeline within 48 hours.
Kick Off Project
Sign agreement, pay deposit and start design & mold fabrication.