How to Make a Plastic Mold
Many people tend to think that making a plastic mold is a very difficult task because it requires specialized tools. However, with the advancement of technology and material sciences, and if you can use some kind of CAD software like UG, Pro/e SolidWorks, it has now become easier to make a plastic mold, because most important issue is mold design, after you have done this everything will be more easy, of course if want to make complex mold, you still need learn how to become a master, let take a look that rough idea to make a plastic mold.
- DFM and Mold Design
Carry out the feasibility study of the part design and size of the mold and products to ensure the suitability of each product. Once you have performed product analysis, use CAD to start mold split and design the mold base and determine what kind of structure will be according to the part design. Prepare the materials based on the desired mold and determine the correct size of the plates,
- Machining
There are two types of machining: CNC and manual. CNC machining is the application of CNC equipment to build plastic mold. These CNC equipment include milling equipment, machining centers, wire cutting tools, electricity discharge machine (EDM), and thread cutting tools. Manual processing implies that workers use sawing machines, milling machines, drilling equipment, lathes and other mechanical tools to achieve a range of material processing techniques. Manual machining is suitable for production of small and simple parts.
- Post-Treatment
Post-treatment involves the use of EDM (which helps to ensure the fineness of the mold); wire cutting (which helps to cut frame for mold insertion); and sliders system plating (which helps to protect the core and surface of the mold).
- Mold Assembly
Mold assembly is usually divided into two parts: interchangeable and non-interchangeable mold assembly. With advancement in technology, it is now possible to make interchangeable precision parts that meet the exact requirements. This allows for a wide application of various mold parts. Non-interchangeable mold assembly is a simple process that ensures separate and high precision injection mold parts. When making plastic mold parts at home, it is also important to apply a paint coat to the end product to ensure a smooth surface. Moreover, you need to use safety glasses and gloves while handling plastic mold parts at home.
- Inspection
It is necessary to examine the outsourced material, the finished product, and the mold assembly process in order to ensure the final mold product meets the exact needs of the customer. The inspection process involves process inspection, which includes inspecting the initial processing of parts, the semi-finished and ultimately the finished mold product. The final inspection process involves the post-assembly inspection, which examines and ensures the fineness of details such
as mold appearance, molding products, testable form ability and more.
- Tryout
Once the mold is completed, it should feature a wide-window. In this step, the operator tries to find a range of optimal conditions for making a plastic mold, which could help set the standard for plastic injection molding. The operator could adjust the process to ensure the optimal conditions are met based on this set of data.
By following the steps above, you will have every detail you need to make the perfect plastic mold for your end product. You don’t want to rush the process since a simple design mistake can force you to restart the whole process from scratch.