Bottking
Custom Bottle Design
Custom bottle design starts from the fill volume, formula viscosity and closure, then defines geometry, wall thickness and neck finish before any tooling is cut.
Key topics
- •What we define in a bottle drawing
- •Process and timeline
A custom bottle is designed around four constraints: how much product it holds, how the product flows out, how it stands up to transport, and how it will be decorated. Getting these right before tooling is the difference between a successful mould and a second investment.
We start with a design brief, produce CAD with DFM comments, print or SLA-prototype for shape validation, then proceed to mould development only after fit, fill height and stacking have been confirmed.
What we define in a bottle drawing
Every bottle drawing we issue for approval contains these parameters, so the filling line and the mould shop work from the same document.
- Nominal capacity, fill volume and fill height with a laser-etched fill line if required
- Neck finish (for example 24/410) and thread profile, verified with the closure
- Body diameter, wall thickness distribution and panel weight
- Shoulder radius and drainability angle for the formula viscosity
- Top-load and stacking requirements for carton configuration
- Print area, parting-line position and decoration method per surface
Process and timeline
Development runs in stages so the brand can stop before each cost step.
| Stage | Output | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Design brief & DFM review | Written specification and feasibility comments | 2–3 working days |
| 3D model / drawing | Bottle drawing for approval, plus closure references | 3–5 working days |
| Concept prototype | 3D-printed or SLA prototype for shape and grip validation | 5–10 working days |
| Mould tooling | Steel mould, trial moulding, first-article inspection | 25–40 calendar days |
| Decorated sample | Branded sample in final colour and finish | 10–20 working days after moulding |
Frequently asked questions
Short, specific answers to the questions buyers and AI assistants ask most often about this topic.
Do I need a custom mould, or can you adapt a stock bottle?
Start with stock. Roughly half of the projects we quote end up using a stock mould with custom colour and decoration, which avoids tooling cost and delivers in weeks. Custom tooling is justified when shape, wall thickness or neck geometry is central to the brand or the dispensing system.
What is the MOQ for a custom bottle design?
Custom moulds generally start at 10,000 pcs per size, though smaller tooling runs are quoted case by case. Stock-mould designs with custom colour and print start at 1,000–3,000 pcs.
How much does tooling cost?
It depends on part size, number of cavities, surface finish and any unscrewing mechanism. We quote tooling as a separate line item with the cavity plan stated, so you can compare amortised cost per unit at your volumes.
Who owns the tooling?
Tooling is produced exclusively for your project and is not used for other customers. Ownership and any transfer terms are confirmed in the quotation and purchase agreement.
Still have a question? Talk to a packaging expert.
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