If you need 50 to 10,000 pieces in 2026, this guide gives you the exact prices most factories are charging right now (December 2025 data). No guesswork, just real quotes from China, Vietnam and a few US shops.
What “Low Volume” Really Means in 2026
- 1–200 pcs → prototype or very low volume
- 200–2,000 pcs → typical low volume
- 2,000–10,000 pcs → bridge production Above 10,000 pcs most factories switch to full production tools and prices drop fast.
Process Cost Comparison Table 2026 (Average China Prices)
| Process | 100 pcs | 500 pcs | 1,000 pcs | 5,000 pcs |
| CNC Machining (aluminum) | $18–$35/pc | $9–$16/pc | $6–$11/pc | $4–$7/pc |
| CNC Machining (stainless) | $35–$65/pc | $18–$32/pc | $12–$22/pc | $8–$14/pc |
| 3D Printing (SLA/SLS/MJF) | $22–$45/pc | $12–$25/pc | $8–$15/pc | Not common |
| Injection Molding (soft tool) | $4,800 mold + $6/pc | $4,800 mold + $3.2/pc | $4,800 mold + $2.2/pc | $4,800 mold + $1.4/pc |
| Vacuum Casting (silicone tool) | $650 mold + $18/pc | $650 mold + $9/pc | $650 mold + $6/pc | $650 mold + $4/pc |
| Sheet Metal (laser + bend) | $12–$28/pc | $6–$14/pc | $4–$9/pc | $2.5–$5/pc |
Real Example 1: Plastic Enclosure (100 × 80 × 30 mm)
- 100 pcs SLA 3D printing → $2,800 total ($28 each)
- 500 pcs soft steel mold + injection → $4,900 mold + $1,600 parts = $6,500 total ($13 each)
- 1,000 pcs same soft mold → $4,900 + $2,200 parts = $7,100 total ($7.10 each)
- 5,000 pcs same mold → $4,900 + $7,000 parts = $11,900 total ($2.38 each)
Result: Above 400 pcs the soft mold already wins on price.
Real Example 2: Aluminum Housing for Drone (CNC)
- 100 pcs CNC → $2,400 total
- 500 pcs CNC → $6,500 total
- 1,000 pcs CNC → $9,800 total
- 1,000 pcs low-volume die casting (soft tool) → $6,800 mold + $5 each = $11,800 total
Result: For 1,000 pcs die casting becomes cheaper even with the mold cost.
Hidden Costs People Forget
- Shipping & duty – add 12–22% on China orders
- Mold maintenance – $300–$800 every 8,000–10,000 shots
- Color change or material change fee – $150–$400 per run
- Packaging and inserts – $0.15–$0.60 per piece
- First article inspection & test reports – $200–$800 per order
How to Cut Cost 25–40% Without Losing Quality
- Use soft steel mold instead of hard steel for under 10,000 shots
- Choose standard colors (black, white, grey) – custom PMS color adds $200–$400
- Accept 2–3 mm draft angle – saves machining time
- Combine parts into family mold (2–4 cavities in one mold)
- Order 1,000 pcs first article then 4,000 later – same mold price
China vs Vietnam vs Mexico vs USA 2026 Price Gap
| Location | 1,000 plastic parts | 1,000 CNC aluminum parts | Lead time |
| China | $6,800–$8,200 | $8,500–$11,000 | 18–28 days |
| Vietnam | $9,200–$11,500 | $12,000–$15,000 | 25–35 days |
| Mexico | $12,500–$15,000 | $16,000–$19,000 | 20–30 days |
| USA | $18,000–$25,000 | $22,000–$28,000 | 10–20 days |
China still wins on price for 90% of low volume orders.
Break-Even Chart (When to Switch Process)
| Quantity | Cheapest process in 2026 |
| 1–80 pcs | 3D printing (SLA/MJF) |
| 80–400 pcs | CNC machining or vacuum casting |
| 400–8,000 pcs | Soft steel mold + injection molding |
| 8,000 pcs+ | Hard steel production mold |
Where to Get Real Quotes Fast
If you want prices within 24 hours and no MOQ drama, check moldpartner.com. They specialize in 50–10,000 pcs runs and give free DFM report with every quote. You can see all their low volume manufacturing services in one place with live pricing calculator.
Final Checklist Before You Order
- Send 3D file + quantity + material + surface finish
- Ask for mold ownership (you should own it)
- Ask for T1 samples photos before mass run
- Get payment terms 50/50 or 30/70
- Add ±5% extra pieces for free in case of defects
Do these simple steps and your 2026 low volume project will stay on budget and on time.
