Matrices

The material from which a mold is made and how this is done depends on the intended use.

The products to be made can be made of materials such as plastic, metal, ceramics, or glass. These materials are injected, poured, or sucked into the mold in liquid form. Afterward, the mold is removed, and the object is left.

Making a mold is specialist work. At A.C.L. Polyester, you are at the right place.

Designing Molds

Variables and considerations for designing molds:

• high temperatures (such as for pouring molten metal into a mold)
• cooling of the mold and the formed product
• the number of cavities, to possibly make multiple products at once
• no high temperatures (e.g., for pouring ceramic clay or some types of plastic)
• high pressure (injection molding of most plastics)
• removal of the mold without damaging the formed product or the mold
• material choice for single-use or mass production molds
• the possible reaction between the mold material and the formed product material

Custom and Series Work

Molds are generally expensive. By producing small series of molded parts in fiberglass-reinforced polyester, inexpensive composite molds can be developed. Additionally, these molds offer the added advantage of the ability to produce high-gloss molded parts in the correct color.