Common Forming Methods of Molds
1) Hot Stamping
Hot stamping is a method of directly stamping a heated die into an object to form a shape and weight. It is a commonly used forming method for molds, and the main forming materials are plastic and metal. In hot stamping molding, a heated die is forced into the material of the object and the material flows into the die and is formed. Hot stamping can achieve complex parts with the highest precision, and is one of the most commonly used molding processes.
2) Compression Molding
Compression molding is a process where a heated plastic is pressed between two halves of a mold cavity. The pressure of the material forced between the two halves of the mold cavity creates a final product with accurate dimensions and surface finishes. Compression molding is a versatile molding process and is used to create a wide range of products.
3) Injection Molding
Injection molding is a process of injecting a molten plastic material into a pre-formed mold cavity to form the desired object. Injection molding can be used to form parts with complex shapes and is utilized by a variety of industries. Injection molding is capable of high production speeds and is ideal for producing small parts with tight tolerances.
4) Blow Molding
Blow Molding is a process that uses air pressure to form a part from a thermoplastic by blowing air into the plastic to expand it against the inside of a mold. The blow molding process can be used to produce a wide variety of shapes and sizes of parts such as bottles and automotive parts, and is an attractive option due to its low tooling costs, fast production speeds, and flexibility.
5) Vacuum Forming
Vacuum forming is a process where a sheet of thermoplastic material is placed over a pattern and heated until pliable. A vacuum is then used to apply a negative pressure onto the plastic sheet which draws the material against the pattern and forms the part. Vacuum forming is a cost-effective molding process that is suitable for low-volume production and has a wide range of applications in industries such as medical, packaging and consumer goods.
6) Die Casting
Die casting is a process where molten metal is injected under high pressure into complex and detailed molds. This process is capable of producing highly intricate parts and complex shapes with exceptional precision. Die casting is one of the most common and cost-effective methods of producing large quantities of parts and is used in a variety of industries.
7) Rotational Molding
Rotational Molding is a process where a heated powder is placed in a mold cavity and rotated while cooling to form the desired object. Rotational molding is used to form large hollow parts with a thin wall thickness and is often used for parts such as tanks, bins, containers and pipes.
Conclusion
Molds are used to create a wide variety of objects that require high accuracy and precision. Each of the common forming methods of molds have their own advantages in terms of cost, production speed, accuracy, and the types of objects that can be produced. Understanding the different forming methods and the advantages and disadvantages of each can help you to make the best decision for your production needs.
