Mold Design for Manufacturing
With over 30 years of experience in design and tooling, we leverage advanced design software and a customer-centric approach to deliver exceptional results.
Software
To provide the best mold design services, we utilize industry-leading softwareh our growing community.
- UG NX and Solidworks
- IGES STEP
- 2D drawing is OK
Mold Type
Support special exhibitions.
- Insert Mold
- Two-Shot Mold
- Overmolding Mold
- Hot Runner Mold
- Thin Wall Mold
- Stack Mold
- Compressing Mold
- Blow Mold
Plastic Resin
Take support to the next level.
- PC, PC+GF, PC+CF
- ABS, ABS+GF, ABS+PC
- PP
- PA, PA66, PA+GF
- POM, POM+PTFE
- PET, PET+GF, PBT
- TPE, TPU, TPU+GF
- PS, HIPS, PS+GF
- PEEK, PEEK+CF, PEEK+GF
- .etc
Design Process
Tailored mold solutions through detailed communication and advanced flow analysis, ensuring functionality and production efficiency.
Requirement Analysis and Design Review
Understanding the client’s needs, specifications.
Conducting a feasibility study to assess potential challenges.
Mold Concept and 3D design
Developing initial design concepts and discussing potential approaches with the client.
Specifying the location, type, and size of the gate to ensure optimal flow and minimal defects.
Clearly defining the parting line to ensure proper mold separation.
Placing ejector pins to ensure smooth part removal.
Mold Flow and Detail Design
Designing efficient cooling channels to maintain consistent temperature and reduce cycle times
Designing molds with export requirements in mind, considering the client’s injection molding machine specifications.
Client Communication and Approval and CAM Ready Validation
Conducting detailed design reviews with the client to ensure all requirements and expectations are met.
Incorporating client feedback and making necessary adjustments.
Securing client approval on the final design before proceeding to manufacturing.
Product Design FAQs
Why is it important to maintain uniform wall thickness?
Keeping wall thickness consistent helps prevent defects like warping or sink marks. Uneven thickness can cause cooling issues, leading to internal stress and even cracking. Ideally, wall thickness should be between 2-4 mm, but this depends on the material.
What is the purpose of a draft angle, and how much should it be?
A draft angle helps parts release smoothly from the mold without damaging the surface. Without it, the part may stick to the mold, causing scratches or warping. Typically, a draft angle of 1° to 3° is recommended, but it can vary based on the material and part geometry.
How do undercuts affect the design,?
Undercuts complicate the mold design because they prevent a straight pull during ejection. They often require extra features like side actions or lifters, which add cost and complexity. If possible, try to avoid them.
How should I design ribs to strengthen my part?
Ribs are great for adding stiffness without increasing wall thickness. To avoid sink marks and warping, the thickness of ribs should generally be about 50-60% of the nominal wall thickness. Make sure they’re evenly spaced and properly aligned with the load path.
Why should sharp corners be avoided in my design?
Sharp corners can lead to stress concentrations, making your part more prone to cracking. To improve both strength and moldability, try to round off corners where possible. A radius of at least 0.5 times the wall thickness is a good rule of thumb.
How can I integrate inserts like threaded nuts into my design?
Inserts like threaded nuts are great for adding strength to assembly points. You can either overmold the insert during the molding process or press-fit them later. Overmolding is often preferred for durability, but it requires precise mold design to hold the insert in place securely.
Can you help produce custom threaded nuts with specific specifications?
Absolutely! We work closely with specialized suppliers to produce custom threaded nuts tailored to your exact specifications. There is a minimum order quantity (MOQ), but we can ensure high-quality parts that meet your needs.
How do I design vents to avoid air traps in my part?
Vents allow trapped air to escape during molding, preventing defects like burn marks or incomplete filling. The placement and size of vents depend on the material and part geometry, but typically they are around 0.02 – 0.05 mm deep. Our mold designer will fine-tune these based on your part.
Can I use multi-cavity molds, and what should I consider for design?
Yes, multi-cavity molds are common for high-volume production. However, keep in mind that all parts produced in the cavities should be identical in design. Differences in wall thickness or complex geometries can cause uneven filling, leading to inconsistencies in quality.
Should I choose a hot runner or cold runner system for my mold?
Hot runner systems are excellent for reducing material waste and improving cycle times, especially in high-volume production. However, they’re more expensive and complex to maintain. Cold runner systems are simpler and more cost-effective for lower volumes but produce more waste material.
How should I design for transparent parts to avoid optical defects?
For transparent parts like lenses or covers, surface finish is crucial. Mold polishing must be carefully considered, and you may need to use specific materials with good optical properties, such as PMMA or PC. Avoid ribs or features that can create internal reflections or distortions.