Injection molding is a popular way to make plastic parts. It uses molds to form different shapes. There are many types of injection molds. These molds can be grouped by molding technology, structural characteristics, and pouring systems. Mold maker and injection mould factories play an important role in creating these molds. In this article, we will explain these classifications in simple terms. We will also talk about the characteristics of each mold type. This will help you understand how mold makers and injection molding companies work.
Molding Technology by Mold Maker:
Molding technology refers to the way a mold works. There are different methods used by injection mould factories. Some of the most common include:
A. Single-Cavity Mold
A single-cavity mold produces one part at a time. This mold is simple. It is often used when small quantities of parts are needed. Mold makers design these molds for projects that don’t need high volume. Single-cavity molds are cheaper and easier to make.
Advantages:
Low cost.
Easier to maintain.
Disadvantages:
Slow production speed.
B. Multi-Cavity Mold
A multi-cavity mold can make several parts at once. This mold has more than one cavity. Injection molding companies use it
when they need to produce a lot of parts quickly. These molds require more work to make, but they are faster in production.
Advantages:
Faster production
High volume output
Disadvantages:
More expensive to produce.
More difficult to maintain.
C. Family Mold
A family mold makes different parts at the same time. This mold has multiple cavities, but each cavity produces a different part. Mold makers use family molds when different parts are needed for a final product.
Advantages:
Makes different parts at once.
Reduces production time.
Disadvantages:
Can lead to quality differences between parts.
Requires more careful design.
D. Hot Runner Mold
A hot runner mold keeps plastic material hot within the mold. This system reduces waste by keeping the plastic in liquid form. Mold makers use this type when high efficiency is needed.
Advantages:
Less material waste.
Faster production.
Disadvantages:
More expensive to make and maintain.
Requires advanced technology.
Mold Structural:
The structure of a mold is important. It affects how the mold works and what parts it can make. Below are the main classifications by structure:
A. Two-Plate Mold:
This is the simplest type of injection mold. It has two main parts: the cavity and the core. The plastic is injected into the cavity, and the core shapes the inside of the part.
Advantages:
Easy to use and maintain.
Suitable for most plastic parts.
Disadvantages:
Limited to simpler shapes.
B. Three-Plate Mold
A three-plate mold has an extra plate. This extra plate helps separate the part from the runner system. Injection mould companies use this type when better control is needed. It is common in molds that require more complex shapes.
Advantages:
Better for complex parts.
Easier to eject the finished part.
Disadvantages:
More expensive to make.
More parts to maintain.
C. Stack Mold
A stack mold is designed for large-scale production. It has multiple levels, or “stacks,” to produce more parts at once. Mold makers use stack molds for high-volume production. This helps injection molding companies increase efficiency.
Advantages:
Makes a lot of parts in one cycle
Reduces production time.
Disadvantages:
Very expensive.
Harder to maintain.
Pouring System
The pouring system controls how plastic enters the mold. There are different types of pouring systems used in injection molding.
A. Cold Runner System
The cold runner system uses channels to direct the plastic into the mold. Once the part is formed, the runner system cools and becomes solid. This material is then removed from the mold. Cold runner systems are simple and used by many injection molding companies.
Advantages:
Lower cost.
Easier to maintain.
Disadvantages:
More material waste.
Slower production speed.
B. Hot Runner System
As mentioned earlier, the hot runner system keeps the plastic hot. This reduces waste because the plastic doesn’t cool down and harden. Mold makers prefer hot runner systems for high-efficiency production.
Advantages:
Less material waste.
Faster cycle times.
Disadvantages:
Expensive to make.
Requires more expertise.
C. Insulated Runner System
The insulated runner system combines the benefits of hot and cold runners. The runner is insulated to keep the plastic warm, but it doesn’t require advanced technology like a full hot runner system. This type is a good choice for mold makers who want to reduce waste without high costs.
Advantages:
Less waste than cold runner.
Lower cost than hot runner.
Disadvantages:
More difficult to maintain than a cold runner.
Not as fast as a hot runner system.
Injection molds are classified by their molding technology, structural characteristics, and pouring systems. Each type of mold has its advantages and disadvantages. Mold makers and injection mould factories work together to choose the right type of mold for each project. By understanding these classifications, you can see how the right mold design impacts production speed, cost, and quality. Injection molding companies rely on these mold types to meet the needs of various industries. Whether you need a simple single-cavity mold or a complex hot runner system, a skilled mold maker can help you achieve the best results.