What Proportion of Total Cost Does the Mold for Hollow-Out UHPC Shapes Account For? Cost Composition and Economic Analysis of Qinglong Group

The mold cost of openwork UHPC shapes accounts for a highly variable proportion of the total cost, typically fluctuating between 15% and 35%, influenced by three factors: openwork ratio, design complexity, and production volume. Based on 28 years of cost data analysis, Qinglong Group has summarized the general pattern: for simple, regular openwork (openwork ratio <30%), mold cost accounts for approximately 15-20%; for moderately complex biomimetic openwork (openwork ratio 30-50%), the share rises to 20-28%; and for highly complex artistic shapes with a high openwork ratio (>50%), mold cost may account for 30-35% or even more of the total cost. In the openwork screen project at Hainan Changying Global 100 Paradise, we successfully kept mold costs at 22% of the total price through "modular design" (breaking large patterns into repeatable small units) and a "mold reuse" strategy, achieving the optimal balance between artistic effect and cost.

Openwork Complexity Is the Dominant Cost Factor

Mold cost is positively correlated with the complexity of the openwork pattern. The more complex the pattern, the more details, and the more irregular the curves, the more complex the CNC machining paths become, the longer the machining takes, and the higher the mold cost. In particular, when undercuts are present (structures that cannot be demolded directly), sliders or combined molds must be designed, further increasing cost and lead time. Through parametric design, Qinglong Group appropriately simplifies patterns while meeting visual requirements—for example, optimizing sharp corners into small rounded corners—effectively reducing machining difficulty and cost.

Production Volume Is Key to Cost Amortization

Molds are a one-time investment, and their cost must be amortized across every unit produced. Therefore, the larger the production volume, the lower the mold cost allocated to each unit. For small-batch custom projects, the mold cost share is naturally higher. Wherever possible, we recommend that clients combine standardized openwork units or reuse proven molds across different projects to reduce the per-square-meter cost. The mold database established by Qinglong Group enables mold resource sharing across projects within the group.

Optimization Strategies to Reduce the Mold Cost Share

Through a series of technical and management optimizations, mold costs can be effectively controlled. For example, using rapid prototyping technologies (such as 3D printing) to produce small-batch trial molds; selecting cost-effective mold materials (such as high-strength tooling board for medium batches); and optimizing machining parameters to improve efficiency. Qinglong Group's lean production system, through cost control across the entire process, ensures that clients receive the most economical solutions while meeting quality requirements.