A die assembly for forming wax patterns is provided, including at least two cooperating mold portions together defining a main cavity, a runner in communication with the main cavity, a temperature sensor disposed proximate the runner, and a counter coupled to a mold portion and connected to the temperature sensor. When wax is injected through the runner into the main cavity, the temperature sensor measures an increase in temperature and the counter registers an injection cycle. An injection molding method also is provided with injection cycle counting.