Plastic Mold Making
Manufacturing Process
Design & CAD
Create detailed 3D models and technical drawings. Consider part geometry, draft angles, and undercuts.
Material Selection
Choose appropriate mold steel based on production volume, part complexity, and material requirements.
CNC Machining
Precision machining of mold cavities and cores using CNC mills and EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining).
Heat Treatment
Harden the mold steel to increase durability and resistance to wear during production cycles.
Surface Finishing
Polish cavities to desired surface finish. Apply textures, logos, or special coatings as needed.
Assembly & Testing
Assemble all mold components, install cooling channels, and conduct trial runs to verify quality.
Types of Molds
Two-Plate Mold
Most common type. Simple design with parting line dividing two halves. Cost-effective for basic parts.
Three-Plate Mold
Allows center gating for better aesthetics. Automatic separation of runner system from parts.
Hot Runner Mold
Heated manifold system eliminates waste. Higher initial cost but saves material on large production runs.
Family Mold
Multiple different parts in one mold. Efficient for producing complete assemblies or product kits.
Common Mold Materials
Key Design Factors
Draft Angles
Typically 1-3° to allow easy part ejection. Deeper cavities require larger draft angles.
Wall Thickness
Maintain uniform thickness (2-4mm typical) to prevent warping, sink marks, and cooling issues.
Cooling System
Strategic cooling channel placement reduces cycle time and ensures consistent part quality.
Ejection System
Proper ejector pin placement prevents part deformation during removal from the mold.
Venting
Adequate vents prevent air traps, burn marks, and incomplete filling of the cavity.
Gate Location
Strategic gate placement affects part strength, appearance, and fill pattern.
