MAKING THE PLASTIC INJECTION MOLD TOOLING

Hardened steel molds have the longest production lifespan of any plastic injection mold tooling and carry the highest manufacturing cost. This cost once amortised against a larger plastic part production quantity, offsets the initial investment. Amco offer a unique finance model for all plastic injection mold tooling builds. Click here for more information.

Low volume and prototype tools and in some cases for large component plastic injection mold tooling, pre hardened steel molds are a les costly and less wear resistant option.

Aluminium provides the most economical solution for plastic injection mold tooling.

All molds are manufactured using sophisticated CNC machines that are able to machine the core and cavity of the plastic injection mold tool to give it the designed shape and there are other tool functions that the tool needs to do for the correct formation of the final plastic component. Some tools use up and aways, sliders and screwing mechanisms.

Tool design plays and important role in the cooling and release of the plastic part and the tool design and then material the tool is made from should be selected with cooling rates in mind.

If a plastic component cools at the wrong speed warping , stress and distortion can occur. In some cases for plastic injection mold tooling design where some plastic materials are very specific, water cooling or even a heated tool may be required.