Tooling, Fixtures, Dies & Mold Economics worked example

Tool Tryout Cost at 99% billable share of tryout time: a worked example

This scenario runs the tool tryout cost calculation on the strong side: 99% billable share of tryout time, with every other input held at its documented default. A tooling buyer uses it to size the tryout exposure on a new injection mold or stamping die before approving the build invoice.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Tryout press hours consumed: 16 hr (unchanged)
  • Press plus technician blended rate: 185 $/hr (unchanged)
  • Billable share of tryout time: 99 % (raised for this scenario; the documented default is 90)
  • Sample material & setup charge: 650 $ (unchanged)

Working through the calculation

  • Applying the documented formula (Tryout cost = tryout hours x press+tech rate x billable share% + sample/setup charge) to the inputs above produces each figure below.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 3,580 $ for total tool tryout cost, the number this scenario is built around.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 224 $ / piece for tool tryout cost per unit.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 2,930 $ for variable tool tryout cost.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 650 $ for fixed tool tryout cost adder.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where billable share of tryout time sits at 90% and the headline result is 3,314 $, this scenario comes in 8.04% above the baseline at 3,580 $.
  • Use it when quoting a new tool build, negotiating rework responsibility with a vendor, or budgeting press time for first-article and sample runs. Treat this as a target state: the delta against the baseline quantifies what the improvement is worth before you commit to chasing it.

Results at a glance

  • Total tool tryout cost: 3,580 $ (headline result)
  • Tool tryout cost per unit: 224 $ / piece
  • Variable tool tryout cost: 2,930 $
  • Fixed tool tryout cost adder: 650 $

Run it with your numbers

  • Every input above is editable in the live Tool Tryout Cost calculator, which recalculates instantly and can be shared with the inputs intact.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.