Mould Tooling Services.
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Injection Mould Tooling
At the heart of the plastic injection moulding process lies the mould—a precision tool that shapes molten plastic into the desired form. Designing and manufacturing an effective mould is a complex task that demands a keen understanding of materials, mechanics, and manufacturing principles. At S.B. Weston we offer precision mould tooling services via our Chinese toolmakers.
How Much Does A Mould Cost?
Mould tooling costs depent on many factors, most importantly, the size of moulded part and therefore the mould, the complexity of the part, the number of parts to be produced simutaneously (in one cycle).
We are happy to provide quotations for mould tooling and part prices. All we require is a component drawing, CAD file or prototype model to anylyse. If you do not have then we can provide a CAD component design service. To confirm a part price we will also need to know the type of plastic that the final part will be made from. If you’re not sure - don’t worrry, we can advise. You will not be under any obligation to proceed once quoted.
Mould Tooling - The Process.
Below are some of the key design considerations that are addressed when creating an efficient and reliable mould.
1. Material Selection
The choice of material for both the mould and the plastic component is crucial. Moulds are typically made from durable materials like steel or aluminum, chosen for their ability to withstand high pressures and temperatures. The plastic material must be compatible with the mould material and suitable for the intended application of the final product.
2. Mould Configuration
We commission our toolmakers to produce either a single-cavity or multi-cavity mould based on production volume and component complexity. Single-cavity moulds are simpler and less expensive, making them ideal for low-volume production. Multi-cavity moulds, while more costly and complex, significantly increase production efficiency by creating multiple parts in one cycle.
3. Component Design
The design of the component itself influences mould design. Features such as undercuts, threads, and intricate geometries require special attention. Our toolmakers will ensure that the mould can form these features without compromising on part quality or complicating the ejection process.
4. Shrinkage and Warpage
Plastics tend to shrink as they cool and solidify. Our toolmakers predict and compensate for this shrinkage to ensure dimensional accuracy of the part. They will also design the mould to minimize warpage, which can occur due to uneven cooling or stress concentrations.
5. Gate and Runner System
The gate and runner system is the network through which molten plastic flows into the mould cavities. Our toolmakers carefully consider the design of this system to ensure uniform filling, reduce material waste, and minimize cycle times. By running mould flow analysis software on the component, they are able to select the type and location of gates (e.g., pin, edge, or tunnel gates) according to the part geometry and material flow characteristics.
6. Cooling System
Efficient cooling is essential for reducing cycle times and ensuring consistent part quality. Our toolmakers design cooling channels within the mould to remove heat quickly and uniformly. The placement and design of these channels affects cooling efficiency and, consequently, the overall production rate and part quality.
7. Ejection Mechanism
After the plastic solidifies, the part must be ejected from the mould. Our toolmakers design ejection systems—utilising ejector pins, plates, or sleeves—to release the part without damaging it. The ejection mechanism must be synchronized with the mould opening to ensure smooth and consistent part removal.
8. Durability and Maintenance
Moulds are significant investments, so durability is a key consideration. Our toolmakers design moulds to withstand the rigors of repeated use while maintaining tight tolerances. Additionally, they consider ease of maintenance, ensuring that the mould can be cleaned, repaired, and adjusted with minimal downtime.
Contact S.B. Weston for Injection Mold Tooling Services
Creating a mould for plastic injection moulding is a meticulous process that balances numerous factors to achieve optimal performance. At S.B. Weston we can produce, manufacture and maintain moulds through their production life. Our toolmakers will consider material properties, component design, cooling efficiency, and ease of maintenance to produce high-quality, cost-effective moulds enabling us to manufacture a wide range of plastic components to meet diverse industrial needs. We’re here to advise and assist, so if you have a requirement for injection mould tooling then get in touch!