Tooling

Tooling refers to the specialized equipment, including molds, dies, jigs, fixtures, and cutting tools, that must be created before a product can be manufactured at scale. Tooling is custom-made for each product and represents a significant upfront capital investment.

Tooling costs vary widely depending on complexity, material, and manufacturing process. For example, a steel injection mold can cost anywhere from €5,000 to €100,000+. Tooling ownership, maintenance, and amortization are important negotiation points when working with manufacturers found through Speya (formerly Find My Factory).