Mold Amortization Calculator

Calculate tooling and maintenance cost allocated to each part. This practical tool is an engineering estimate—validate decisions against machine, material, mold, and process data.

Formula and method

Amortization = (tooling + lifetime maintenance) ÷ expected life.

Inputs and units

Enter measured or specified values in the displayed units. Keep units consistent; results are rounded for practical planning. This first release uses the displayed engineering units rather than a unit-switcher.

Worked example

($85,000 tooling + $10,000 maintenance) ÷ 500,000 parts = $0.19 per part

Lock the cost scope before dividing

List the tooling, planned lifetime maintenance, qualification, fixtures, and engineering-change items deliberately. Include only the costs the chosen per-part allocation is meant to recover.

Test volume sensitivity

Recalculate when expected lifetime output, maintenance scope, or commercial volume changes. A lower planned volume raises the allocation even when the mold cost is unchanged.

Keep amortization distinct from a supplier quote

This arithmetic allocates stated investment; it does not estimate conversion, financing, risk, schedule, warranty, or supplier margin.

Interpretation, assumptions, and limitations

This tool provides an estimate for planning and education. It does not replace machine maker limits, material data sheets, mold trials, cavity-pressure data, process validation, or qualified engineering review.

FAQ

Should sampling and fixtures be included?

Include them only when the commercial model intends to recover them through this part allocation. Otherwise keep them visible as separate one-time costs.