Depth understanding of molds 6 types and detailed classification
Molds are indispensable tools in industrial production. They are used to manufacture products of various shapes and sizes.
Molds, as a core component of modern manufacturing, enable raw materials to be processed into required products through their specific shapes and structures. There are many types of molds, which can be classified in many ways according to different standards such as their functions, materials, and manufacturing processes.,here we introduce 6 Types and Classification of Mold as follows:
Types of Molds
There are many types of molds. Molds can be classified according to different standards, such as molding method, molding material, mold structure, mold manufacturing material, and mold application field. These are common classification methods.
1. Classification by molding method
Injection Moulds
These are used in the injection moulding process, ideal for producing small to large parts with complex geometries in high volumes plastic injection mold.
Compression Moulds
Applicable to thermosetting plastics or rubbers, through compression molding, the material is placed in a mold and pressure is applied until it solidifies. It is often used to make insulating materials and high-strength components compression mold.
Transfer Moulds
It combines the characteristics of injection molding and compression molds. It first injects part of the plastic melt into a transfer cavity and then transfers it to the molding cavity. It is suitable for molding parts with thin walls or fine details.
Blow Moulds
Used to manufacture hollow plastic products, by blowing a tubular body of thermoplastic material into a mold to form the desired shape, widely used in the production of bottles and containers.
Vacuum Moulds
Use vacuum adsorption to fix thermoplastic material on the mold surface to form a convex shape, commonly used in the packaging industry.
Thermoforming Moulds
By heating the plastic sheet to a soft state and then forming it onto the mold through pressure, it is suitable for manufacturing large or economical disposable plastic products.
Stamping Dies
Stamping dies include cold stamping dies and hot stamping dies. Stamping dies are dies used to form metal sheets in the metal processing field. The press applies pressure to the material to make it plastically deformed to obtain the desired shape and size. The following is a brief description of the two:
- Cold Stamping Dies:Used for cold forming of sheet metal, the material is stamped into the desired shape by pressure without heating, suitable for mass production of metal parts.
- Hot Stamping Dies:Similar to cold stamping dies, but the material is heated during the forming process, suitable for metal parts that need hot forming to obtain better forming effects.
Casting Moulds
Used in the casting process of metal or other materials, by pouring molten material into the mold and cooling it into shape, suitable for making metal castings of various shapes and sizes.
Extrusion Dies
Used for extrusion molding of plastics or metals, forming continuous long strips, tubes or other cross-sectional products through the die, widely used in pipe and profile production.
Each mold type has its specific application and manufacturing requirements to meet the shape, size and performance needs of different products.
2. Classification by molding material
Plastic Moulds
Specially used for the molding of plastic products, they can accurately replicate the complex shapes and details of the mold surface, and are suitable for the production of various plastic daily necessities and industrial parts.
Rubber Moulds
Designed for the molding of rubber materials, these molds can withstand high temperature vulcanization processes and are often used in the production of tires, seals and other elastic products.
Metal Moulds
Used in metal casting and stamping processes, metal molds can withstand extremely high pressures and temperatures and are used to manufacture metal structural parts and mechanical parts.
Glass Moulds
Used for the molding of glass products, these molds can withstand the high temperatures when the glass is molten and are used to manufacture glass bottles, windows and other glassware.
Ceramic Moulds
Used for the molding of ceramic products, ceramic molds usually have good heat resistance and chemical resistance, and are suitable for the production of tiles, tableware and decorative ceramics.
Foam Moulds
Used for the manufacture of various foam material products, such as polyurethane foam or polystyrene foam, these molds allow the production of lightweight products with good thermal insulation properties.
Each mold type is specifically designed according to the characteristics of the material it is molding to ensure the quality, precision and functionality of the final product.
3. Classification by mold structure
Single Cavity Moulds
Single-Cavity Moulds produce only one product in one molding process, usually used for small-batch production or prototyping, which is convenient for mold design and maintenance.
Multi-Cavity Moulds
Multi-Cavity Moulds contain multiple identical cavities, which can produce multiple products in one molding process, improve production efficiency and reduce costs, and are suitable for mass production.
Combination Moulds
Combination Moulds combine different mold design elements, such as different cavities or mold components, to adapt to a variety of production needs and provide design flexibility.
Stack Moulds
Stack Moulds are composed of multiple layers of molds stacked together, and each layer can be molded independently or simultaneously, which greatly improves production efficiency and is especially suitable for automated production lines.
Each mold structure type is specially designed according to production needs, product complexity and cost-effectiveness to meet different production environments and process requirements.
4.Classification by mold manufacturing materials
Steel Moulds
Steel Moulds are known for their superior strength and durability and are often used in injection or stamping processes that need to withstand high pressure and temperature.
Aluminum Moulds
Aluminum Moulds are favored for their light weight and good thermal conductivity, and are suitable for molding applications with rapid heating and cooling, such as the rapid production of some plastic products.
Alloy Moulds
Alloy Moulds combine the advantages of multiple metals, such as high wear resistance, high temperature resistance or corrosion resistance, and are suitable for molding environments with special requirements or processing of specific materials.
Plastic Moulds
Plastic moulds use plastic as a manufacturing material and are usually used to produce low-cost, lightweight or disposable molding products. They are also commonly used for prototyping and rapid manufacturing
The selection of each mold material is based on its specific physical and chemical properties, as well as the needs of the molding process and the application scenario of the final product.
5. Classification by mold application
Daily Necessities Moulds
Daily Necessities Moulds are used to manufacture various products used in daily life, such as tableware, toys, household items, etc. Such molds are usually required to have good surface finish and detail expression to meet consumers’ needs for product appearance and function.
Automotive Moulds
Automotive moulds are used to produce automotive parts such as body panels, bumpers and interior trims, requiring extremely high precision and durability to meet the strict standards of the automotive industry.
Packaging Moulds
Packaging moulds are designed to produce various packaging products such as plastic bottles, containers, lids, etc., with an emphasis on providing effective sealing performance and visual designs that appeal to consumers.
Medical Moulds
Medical moulds are used to manufacture medical devices and consumables such as syringes, catheters and surgical tools, requiring compliance with strict standards for biocompatibility and sterile production environments.
Electronics Moulds
Electronic moulds are used to manufacture plastic housings and structural parts for various electronic devices and components, and usually require high precision to accommodate the installation of miniaturized and complex electronic components.
Appliance Moulds
Used to produce plastic or metal parts of household appliances, such as the outer shell and internal structural parts of washing machines, refrigerators, and microwave ovens.
Construction Moulds
Construction moulds are used to produce concrete structural parts, decorative lines and other building components. These moulds need to be able to withstand heavy loads and maintain consistency in shape and size.
Toy Moulds
Specially used to make various plastic parts of toys, which are required to be safe, durable and able to attract children’s attention.
Industrial Parts Moulds
Used to produce various plastic or metal parts for industrial machinery and equipment.
6.Classification by special purpose
Rapid molds
Molds made using 3D printing technology, for example, can provide product prototypes in a short time, accelerating the product development process.
Precision molds
Molds used to make microelectronic components, for example, require extremely high precision and surface finish.
Large molds
Molds used to make large automotive covers, for example, require sufficient strength and stability.
The classification and selection of molds are crucial to the manufacturing industry. With the advancement of technology, the design and manufacture of molds are also constantly developing and innovating to meet more complex and diverse production needs. Understanding the characteristics and applications of different types of molds can help manufacturers choose suitable molds and improve production efficiency and product quality.
