MouldsA mould can be many shapes and be used in a variety of applications such as a mould for vacuum forming or rotational moulding;

A mould can also be a hollowed-out block that is filled with a liquid like plastic, glass, metal, or ceramic raw materials. The liquid hardens or sets inside the mould, adopting its shape.

A release agent is typically used to make removal of the hardened/set substance from the mould easier. Typical uses for moulded plastics include moulded furniture, moulded household goods, moulded cases, and structural materials.

Moulds – hollowed out shapes

Vacuum forming Mould/Former

Air/vacuum holes -To help remove all the air and achieve an excellentvacuum formed product

Rounded Edges – to help achieve accurate formed shape

Tapered Sides – To allow easy release of mould

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) Mould/Former

Injection moulding moulds

1. Guide Pins – fixed to one half of the mould and align the two halves by entering the holes in the other half. 2. Runner – passageways in the mould connecting the cavities to the sprue bush. 3. Gate – Frequently the runner narrows as it enters the mould cavity.  This is called a gate and produces a weak point enabling the moulding to be easily broken or cut from the runner. 4. Sprue Bush – Tapered hole in the centre of the mould into which the molten plastic is first injected. 5. Locating Ring – Positions the mould on the fixed platen so that the injection nozzle lines up with the sprue bush. 6. Mould Cavity – The space in the mould shaped to produce the finished component(s). 7. Ejector Pins – These pins push the moulding and sprue/runner out of the mould. 8. The Shot – Total amount of plastic injected into mould. 9. Sprue – Material which sets in the sprue bush