What is an initial disadvantage related to the setup costs of injection moulding?

Injection moulding is a manufacturing process that involves creating parts by injecting molten material into a mold. An initial disadvantage of this process is that the setup costs can be prohibitively high. This is largely due to the expenses associated with designing and fabricating the moulds required for production, which can be intricate and expensive.

The cost of moulds can vary significantly based on their complexity and the material used, often requiring substantial initial investment before any production begins. This high upfront capital needed can be a barrier for small businesses or those looking to produce small quantities of a product, making it a noteworthy disadvantage in considering the implementation of injection moulding as a method of production.

This contrasts with the other options, where low costs or irrelevance of setup costs do not reflect the true nature of the financial commitment required in injection moulding. The consistent nature of setup costs also does not highlight the financial challenge posed by the initial investment.