Thermoforming molds are a key component of the entire thermoforming process. But how do they work? And what types are available? Here’s everything you need to know about thermoforming molds.
What is Thermoforming?
As a quick refresher – or introduction – thermoforming is the process of using heat to shape a plastic part. Vacuum forming and pressure will be used as well to ensure the part is tight, and the completed part will be trimmed and altered as needed.
⇨ Read Now: Thermoforming in a Nutshell
The process goes like this:
- A plastic sheet is heated to make it malleable
- The sheet is applied to a mold using vacuum forming and pressure
- After the formed part has cooled, a CNC machine is used to trim and finish
A core component of this process is the thermoforming mold used to create the shape of the part.
Types of Thermoforming Molds
There are two types of molds used in the thermoforming process. Both use heat and vacuum forming but in a different approach.
Male Mold – With this type of mold, the heated plastic sheet is sucked down to form into a part around the mold. This is the most common type of mold used, particularly for large part production.
Female Mold – With this type of mold, the heated plastic sheet is stretched over a mold and sucked down onto it. Female molds are a great option for highly detailed parts, particularly ones with a higher volume run.
How to Select the Right Thermoforming Mold
The best way to choose the right mold for your project is to work with a thermoforming expert who can offer the best advice for your part. However, there are a few key differences between the mold types that can help point you in the right direction.
Male molds:
- Texture has be applied to the plastic, not the mold
- Cost is typically much lower
- Higher gloss exterior with no mold marks
- Sharp detail not possible
- Less surface detail
Female molds:
- Texture can be applied to the plastic or the mold to match other textures
- High amount of detail possible
- Sharp corners and edges possible
- Higher cost
- Possibility of mold marks on exterior
Industrial Custom Products offers a variety of tools and methods for producing the parts that you envision for the projects that you care about. Contact us and speak with an engineer about your project at (612) 781-2255, or request a quote online. You will receive a prompt response.
Industrial Custom Products is a one-stop-shop for custom manufacturing and plastic fabrication, including: prototyping and product development, die cutting and dieless knife cutting, thermoforming and vacuum forming, large part thermoforming, CNC plastic routing, fabrication and assembly and drape forming.
