Plastic Injection Mold

The process begins with a consultation to understand the customer’s needs and project goals. We then create a detailed design plan and generate a 3D model of the mold using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Next, we use precision CNC machining to fabricate the mold components to the required specifications. Once the mold components are complete, we assemble and test them to ensure that they meet all of the necessary quality and performance standards.

Throughout the mold manufacturing process, we maintain strict quality control protocols to ensure that every mold we produce meets our high standards of accuracy and performance. We also offer ongoing support and maintenance services to provide our customers can rely on their molds for years to come.

We look forward to working with you and helping you bring your project to life.

Different Kinds of Plastic Injection Molds

At Moldie, we can produce a wide range of injection molds for various industries and applications. Some of the different kinds of injection molds we can produce include the following:

• Single Cavity Molds

These molds are designed to produce a single part with each cycle of the injection molding process. They are typically used for small or simple parts that do not require a high production volume.

The single cavity molds aren’t suitable for mass production because they create only one part every cycle. A multi-cavity mold makes more components per cycle and has multiple identical cavities. If your volume requirements are higher, the flexibility to boost production with a multi-cavity mold makes it more cost-effective.

• Multiple Cavity Molds

These molds are designed to produce multiple parts with each cycle of the injection molding process. They are typically used for larger or more complex parts that require a high volume of production.

A multi-cavity mold allows quicker completion of the appropriate number of pieces due to the reduced lead time per batch. This boosts output and improves yield rates for higher volume runs.

Additionally, multi-cavity molds let you produce multiple components from one mold within the shot guarantee and utilize the cycle time more effectively. Our multi-cavity molds at Moldie make sure you obtain high-quality products while keeping precise tolerances and maximizing cycle times.

One primary aspect that you should be aware of in multiple cavity molds is you’ll have to put in a larger initial investment in your resources. Still, higher volumes produced in a shorter time offset these costs.

• Stack Molds

These molds are designed to produce multiple layers of plastic parts in a single cycle of the injection molding process. They are typically used for parts that require multiple layers of different materials or colors.

A stack mold is a collection of joined, identically sized, single-face molds that are “stacked” on top of one another. Stack molds quadruple the number of cavities produced by parts without increasing the platen size or tonnage of the plastic injection molding machine.

This means that the production volumes are tripled or quadrupled by three-level and four-level stack molds, respectively.

• Hot Runner Molds

These molds feature a hot runner system that maintains a constant flow of molten plastic to the mold cavities, allowing for faster production and reduced material waste. They are typically used for high-volume production applications.

Ideally, in hot runner molds, an injection molding machine’s barrel of molten plastic is brought into the cavities of the mold using a hot runner system, which comprises heated components heated often by electricity. 

The type of resin, injection speed, fill rate, and the molded item is just a few of the variables that affect how big hot runner melt channels should be. The hot runner system inside the injection mold and the resin inside the machine barrel is heated to processing temperature by a temperature controller (standalone controller or controls from the injection molding machine), which then injects the resin into the mold. 

Finally, the resin enters the intake, descends into the manifold, divides at various nozzles, and then passes through injection points (or gates) into the finished product.

• Two-Shot Molds

These molds are designed to produce parts with multiple materials or colors in a single cycle of the injection molding process. They are typically used for parts that require multiple layers of different materials or colors.

The simplest way to comprehend the two-shot injection molding procedure is to think of the several layers of materials or colors that the injection molding machine produces. The first substance is injected into a mold to produce the substrate, which the other material or materials will be molded around. 

Before being moved to the opposite chamber of the mold by hand, robot arm, or rotary plane, the substrate solidifies and cools. This marks the final stage in making the substrate.

No matter what type of injection mold you need, Moldie has the expertise and experience to produce high-quality molds that meet your specific requirements. We are always ready to work with you to understand your needs and develop a customized solution for your project.

Injection Molding Process

The plastic injection molding process is a manufacturing technique used to produce plastic parts by injecting molten material into a mold. It is a highly efficient and cost-effective method for producing high volumes of identical plastic parts.

The injection molding process begins with a mold created using computer-aided design (CAD) software and CNC machining. The mold is typically made from steel or aluminum and is designed to withstand the high pressures and temperatures of the injection molding process.

Once the mold is complete, it is loaded into an injection molding machine. The machine melts a raw plastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and injects it into the mold under high pressure. The molten plastic is then allowed to cool and solidify within the mold, taking on the shape of the mold cavity.

After the plastic has solidified, the mold is opened, and the finished part is ejected. The part is inspected for defects, and any necessary post-processing, such as trimming or painting, is performed.

The injection molding process is highly efficient and can produce a large volume of identical parts in a short amount of time. It is commonly used in a variety of industries, including automotive, medical, and consumer products.

Factors that Contribute to The Cost of Plastic Injection Mold

Plastic injection molds can be expensive for several reasons. Some of the factors that contribute to the cost of an injection mold include the following:

• Complexity Of The Design

Molds for parts with complex shapes or features, such as undercuts or thin walls, will be more expensive due to the additional design and required machining time.

This is because complex, specialized plastic injection molding parts require more tooling than basic parts, and they are typically more expensive. More production time may be needed when machining complex parts because undercut features may call for secondary EDM treatments. 

Additionally, larger parts need more material, which raises the price.

• Size Of The Mold

Larger molds will generally be more expensive than smaller molds, as they require more material and machining time.

• Material Of The Mold

Molds can be made from a variety of materials, such as steel or aluminum. The cost of the mold will depend on the material selected, with some materials being more expensive than others.

Additionally, molds made of various materials have varying service lives. Molds with longer useful lives are more valuable but cost more since they are built of more expensive, durable steel. 

Cycle duration, surface finishes, and production volume should all be taken into account when choosing a mold material because they will all affect the mold’s usable life. Although less expensive materials like aluminum may be useful for molds, especially when lower production runs are necessary, tool steel is often chosen for its resilience and longevity.

• Quantity Of Parts To Be Produced

The cost of an injection mold is typically based on the number of parts that the mold is expected to produce. Molds that are intended to produce a large volume of parts will be more expensive than molds that are intended to produce a smaller volume.

• Lead time

The lead time for an injection mold can also impact its cost. Molds needed on a tight deadline may require rush fees to ensure they are completed on time.

Overall, the cost of an injection mold is determined by a combination of these and other factors. It is important to work closely with a mold manufacturer to understand your project’s specific costs and ensure that you are getting the best value for your investment.

Get in Touch

Thank you for considering Moldie for your injection molding needs. Please fill out our contact form if you have any questions or would like to discuss your project in more detail. One of our experienced professionals will be in touch with you as soon as possible to discuss your needs and provide you with a quote.

We look forward to working with you and helping you bring your project to life. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or to get started on your project.

We understand that selecting customer molds for plastic injection can be challenging. However, it is always worth your investment. With our help, you will find the experience rewarding.