Originally Posted by
rx7ttlm
short production runs are relatively cheap to make on cnc. The tooling cost for making a mold is pretty insane, however the material (plastic resin) is cheaper so long term production in large numbers is cheaper. Also the tool wear in the long run makes CNC Al parts more expensive long term added to the record aluminum prices (no cnc router bits to wear out)
Carbide tools last a lot longer than you think on aluminum. Trust me, making the aluminum parts is cheaper(way) than making the plastic injection molds. Ive been in both businesses, I would know.