Single cavity
- Lower tool investment and simpler design changes
- Simplest process window to qualify
- Machine time dominates piece price at volume
Decision guide
Single vs Multi Cavity Molds: Tool Investment, Output, and Payback
More cavities raise tool investment and lower machine time in each part. Forecast volume and design stability usually decide.
Cavitation
More cavities, more parts per cycle
Cavitation is set per program. This page explains the tradeoff without a fixed count.
A single cavity mold makes one part per shot. A multi cavity mold makes several identical parts per shot, which raises tool investment and lowers the share of machine time in each part.
NetProto quotes multi cavity molds when volume supports them. Cavitation is set from CAD, volume, and part size on each program.
Side by side
Where the cost moves
The tool and the piece price move in opposite directions.
Multi cavity
- Higher tool investment
- Less machine time in each part at steady volume
- Cavities must fill and pack evenly to hold dimensions
Routing table
Signals for each option
Qualitative only. The quote compares options on your volume.
| Factor | Single cavity tends to fit | Multi cavity tends to fit |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Low or uncertain annual volume | Steady, forecast volume |
| Revisions | Design still changing | Design frozen |
| Qualification | One cavity to measure | Every cavity measured at first article |
| Runner | Cold runner usually fine | Hot runner often considered |
Quote inputs
Send this with your CAD
Volume confidence matters as much as the volume number.
Annual volume and how firm the forecast is
Whether the design is frozen
Critical dimensions that must match cavity to cavity
Whether a family mold with different parts is an option
Continue exploring
Related comparisons
Decision guides and the pages that go deeper.
Compare hub
All comparison guides.
Compare hubHot runner vs cold runner
Runner scrap, cycle, and tool investment.
Hot runner vs cold runnerChina vs domestic tooling
Investment, logistics, and ownership terms.
China vs domestic toolingHigh volume injection molding
Repeat production and program stability.
High volume injection moldingFamily mold vs multi cavity
When different parts share one tool.
Family mold vs multi cavityCavity
Glossary definition.
CavityFAQ
Common questions
Can I start with one cavity and add more later?
Often a second tool is built instead of modifying the first. Share the volume ramp so the quote can compare both paths.
How is this different from a family mold?
A family mold runs different parts in one tool. A multi cavity mold runs copies of the same part.
Next step
Quote cavitation against your real volume
Upload CAD with annual volume. NetProto manufacturing is ISO 9001 certified.