Prototype and low-volume mold shop
Machine aluminum and steel molds for local manufacturers who need prototype and short-run tooling.
- $60k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
1,252 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.6% in a year
NAICS 333511 “Industrial mold manufacturing”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small shop with CNC mills and finishing tools that builds injection molds, die-cast tooling and fixtures from customer part designs. Many small shops focus on quick-turn aluminum molds for prototypes and short production runs.
Your first three steps
- Work out your niche (for example aluminum prototype molds) and price a realistic set of used CNC machines and tooling
- Visit local plastics and product companies to ask what tooling work they send out and what turnaround they need
- Find a small shop unit, check zoning, and get insurance quotes before you commit to a lease
Who pays
Local manufacturers, product design firms, engineers and startups that need tooling made fast and close by.
How it makes money
A quoted price per mold or tooling job, plus repair, modification and small-batch part runs for repeat customers.
Skills that help
- Machining and toolmaking experience
- CAD/CAM programming
- Quoting and project planning
- Patience with tight tolerances
Watch out for
- Check zoning and your lease allow machining, noise and deliveries at the site
- General liability insurance, and ask about product liability and equipment cover
- OSHA safety rules for machine guarding and shop safety, check which apply once you hire
- Check your state and city for local business license and coolant or metal waste disposal rules
- Relying on one or two big customers, and protecting customers' designs with NDAs
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: prototype and low-volume mold shop
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a CNC mold making shop?
Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the machines, tooling and premises you choose. These are estimates, so get quotes for equipment, software and your lease before you plan your budget.
How much can a small mold shop make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your machines, the jobs you win and how many customers you serve. This is an estimate, not a guarantee, and revenue is not the same as profit.
What rules should I check before opening a mold making shop?
Check that zoning and your lease allow machining, noise and deliveries. Look into general liability and equipment cover, OSHA rules once you hire, local business licenses, and coolant or metal waste disposal rules in your state and city.
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