The cost of making a mold can vary significantly depending on several factors.
How much does it cost to make a mold? (5 Key Factors to Consider)
1. Size and Complexity of the Mold
On average, a single cavity custom silicone injection mold can cost anywhere from $500 to $5000.
A two cavity mold, especially one with complex geometry or for a large product, can cost as much as $20000.
2. Mold Lifespan and Cost Efficiency
Making the mold easier with a longer lifespan and lower cost is achievable.
Shorter curing times can reduce the additional cost of flash pads between the piston and the pot.
Stock preparation costs can be reduced by stocking many cavities.
The mold can be filled with a piece of paper to further reduce costs.
3. The Process of Making a Mold
The process involves curing the mold, separating it, and venting the cavities.
Injection molding involves forcing the rubber stock into a closed mold cavity using a nozzle.
The mold is then closed and maintained at a fixed temperature for a certain period of time.
Under pressure and heat, the stock flows and fills the cavity, with excess volume flowing out through special grooves, resulting in mold flash.
After the curing time, the press is opened and the product is removed.
4. Compression and Transfer Molding
Compression molding is similar to transfer molding, where the stock is forced into the mold cavity.
In transfer molding, the stock is transferred through holes in the mold cavity.
Accurately cutting or weighing enough stock for each cavity is crucial in compression molding to avoid defects such as flow lines, blisters, or unfilled parts.
Using too little or excessive amounts of rubber can cause issues as well.
Transfer molding requires fixing cycles and more labor to load and unload the mold.
5. Cold Dry Bag Isostatic Pressing
Another method of mold making is cold dry bag isostatic pressing.
In this process, the mold is placed into a pressure chamber and filled with a room-temperature liquid.
The press then applies pressure from all sides, condensing the metal powder.
As a result, the powder particles mechanically bond to each other, creating a solid green body.
The liquid is then removed, and the container expands to its original form, allowing the product to be retrieved.
There are two types of presses used for cold dry bag isostatic pressing: monostatic isostatic presses with single-cavity structures and densomatic isostatic presses with multi-cavity designs.
Continue exploring, consult our experts
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