Introduction
Cold press moulding (CPM) is a type of production process used in the manufacturing industry that utilizes pressure to form different types of materials, from metals to thermoplastic polymer composite parts. Cold press moulding is an economical way to help create parts that have a high level of precision, a low amount of scrap, and are structurally sound. In this article, the different types of cold press moulding molds and their respective structures are outlined and discussed.
Types of Cold Press Moulds
Cold press moulds come in a variety of structures, ranging from two to four pieces. The two pieces typically consist of a back and a base. The four piece designs are made up of a back, base, bridge, and shell. Each type of cold press moulding can serve a different purpose and offer different amounts of support and strength.
Single Piece Mould
A single piece mould is the simplest mould structure available for cold press moulding. This type of mould is made up of only one piece and is used mainly for forming parts with a small cross section. This mould has a low level of complexity, which reduces the time and cost of producing complex components.
Two Piece Mould
A two piece mould consists of a back and a base. This type of mould is designed mainly for forming parts with simpler geometries. The two pieces make it possible to form parts to tight tolerances with minimal material waste. With two pieces, the mould can achieve efficiency and precision.
Three Piece Mould
A three piece mould is made up of a base, bridge and back. This type of mould is usually used in applications where there is a need for a higher level of structural strength. The three pieces help to support the part during the cold press moulding process, resulting in a stronger and more reliable final product.
Four Piece Mould
A four piece mould is made up of a back, base, bridge and shell. This type of mould is most often used for more complex part geometries, such as those found in curved components. The four pieces help to support the part during the cold press moulding process and helps to create shapes which would have been too complicated and difficult to create with a three piece mould.
Conclusion
The cold press moulding process is one of the most economical and efficient ways to create parts with high levels of precision, low scrap rates, and sound structural integrity. Different types of cold press molds and their respective structures vary greatly, with each structure offering its own set of benefits that make it ideal for certain applications. Knowing the different types of molds and how each one works can help to better inform decisions related to which mold to use for a specific job.
