China Injection Mold Maker:
Ensure Accuracy and Long Service Life

If your projects need to develop plastic moulds and produce plastic parts in China, please read this and know more about Sungpalstic. As a China plastic injection mold manufacturer, we have delved into mold industry for many years, and specialize in injection mold fabrication and molded parts production. If you are interested, welcome to share experiences and discuss them with us.

What is Injection Mold?

An injection mold is a mold used in the plastic injection molding process that is manufactured in China. Plastic injection molding is a widely used manufacturing process for producing plastic parts in large quantities. It involves melting plastic material and injecting it into a mold cavity, where it cools and solidifies to take on the shape of the mold. Injection molds are essential components of the injection molding process，are typically custom-designed to match the specific shape and dimensions of the plastic part to be produced.

Types of Injection Mold

Injection molds are essential tools in the plastic injection molding process. They come in various types, each designed for specific applications and production requirements. Here are some common types of injection molds:

• • • Single Cavity Mold
      A single cavity mold is the simplest type of injection mold and produces a single part per cycle. It’s suitable for low-volume production or when the part is relatively large and complex.
    • Multi-Cavity Mold
      Multi-cavity molds have multiple identical cavities within a single mold frame. This allows for the simultaneous production of multiple parts in each molding cycle, increasing production efficiency and reducing costs per part.
    • Family Mold
      A family mold is a type of multi-cavity mold that produces different parts simultaneously in a single molding cycle. It’s used when multiple related parts need to be produced together, such as a cap and a bottle.
    • Runnerless Mold (Hot Runner Mold)
      In runnerless molds, the plastic material is kept molten in the runner system, which is maintained at a high temperature. This eliminates the need for runners (waste material) and reduces material waste. Hot runner molds are often used in high-volume production.
    • Cold Runner Mold
      Cold runner molds have a runner system where the plastic material cools and solidifies before reaching the cavities. This results in more material waste but can be cost-effective for certain applications.
    • Insert Mold
      Insert molds allow for the encapsulation or over-molding of metal or plastic inserts within the molded part. They are commonly used in applications where components like threaded inserts, electrical connectors, or reinforcement pieces need to be integrated into the plastic part.
    • Multi-Shot or Multi-Material Mold
      Multi-shot molds enable the production of parts with multiple materials or colors in a single molding cycle. This can create complex, multi-component parts with different properties or appearances.
    • Prototype Mold (Prototype Tooling)
      Prototype molds are used for low-volume production of parts for product development and testing purposes. They are typically less expensive and faster to produce than production molds.
    • Unscrewing Mold
      Unscrewing molds are used for producing threaded parts, such as caps or closures, that require precise rotation during ejection. These molds have a mechanism that unscrews the part from the mold core before ejection.
    • Collapsible Core Mold
      Collapsible core molds are used to produce parts with complex internal features, such as collapsible containers or parts with hollow cores. The core can be retracted to facilitate part ejection.
    • Shuttle Mold
      Shuttle molds have multiple mold cavities arranged in a circular or linear manner. They can be rotated or moved to change the part geometry or configuration during molding.
    • Gas-Assist Mold
      Gas-assist molding uses inert gas to hollow out or reinforce certain sections of a part, reducing material usage and improving structural integrity. Gas channels are integrated into the mold design.

Choosing the right type of injection mold depends on factors like production volume, part complexity, material requirements, and cost considerations. As an experienced China injection mold maker, we can help you select the most suitable mold type for your specific needs.

Materials for Injection Mold Manufacturing

Injection mold is manufactured by using various materials, each with its own characteristics and suitability for specific applications.
Here are some common materials used for injection mold manufacturing:

• • • Tool Steel
      Tool steel is a popular choice for injection molds due to its durability and wear resistance. Common tool steel types used for molds include P20, H13, and S7. These steels can withstand the high temperatures and pressures of the injection molding process.
    • Pre-Hardened Mold Steel
      Pre-hardened mold steels, such as 718 (P20+Ni) and 420 stainless steel, are heat-treated to a specific hardness level during manufacturing. They offer good machinability and can be used for various injection molding applications.
    • Hardened Steel Alloys
      Hardened steel alloys like D2 and A2 are used for molds that require high levels of wear resistance. They are suitable for molding abrasive plastics or for long production runs.
    • Stainless Steel
      Stainless steel molds, such as 303, 304, or 316 stainless steel, are resistant to corrosion and staining. They are often used for applications where hygiene is important, like the food and medical industries.
    • Aluminum
      Aluminum molds are known for their excellent heat transfer properties, making them suitable for rapid cooling and short cycle times. They are commonly used for prototype and low to medium-volume production.
    • Beryllium Copper
      Beryllium copper molds offer good thermal conductivity, high hardness, and corrosion resistance. They are used for molding materials that require rapid cooling, like certain electronic components.
    • Brass
      Brass molds can provide good thermal conductivity and are sometimes used for specific applications. However, they may not be as durable as other materials and are more prone to wear.
    • Composite Materials
      Composite materials, such as epoxy or aluminum-filled composites, can be used for molds in certain applications. They are lightweight and can be cost-effective for low to medium-volume production.

The choice of mold materials should be made carefully, taking into consideration factors like part geometry, production volume, material compatibility, and budget constraints. Work with a China plastic injection mould supplier, Sungplastic can recommend the most suitable material based on your specific requirements. Additionally, the surface finish and treatment of the mold can also impact its performance and longevity, so these factors should be considered during the mold design and manufacturing process.

Manufacturing Process of Injection Mold

The injection mold manufacturing process is not difficult for professionals, but it requires attention to many details in order to produce quality molds. This process involves several steps as followed.

Product Design

The process begins with the design of the plastic part that will be produced. This design specifies the part’s geometry, features, and tolerances. It is typically created using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

The appropriate plastic material is chosen based on the product’s requirements, such as strength, flexibility, and heat resistance.

Injection Mold design

A mold design engineer creates a 3D model of the desired product and designs the mold accordingly. Mold design includes the mold cavity and core, runner system, cooling channels, ejection system, and any necessary slides or inserts.

Factors to consider during mold design include:

• • Part design: The mold design engineer needs a 3D model of the desired part to design the mold accordingly.
  • Mold flow analysis: Mold flow analysis software is used to simulate the flow of molten material inside the mold and optimize the design for uniform filling, cooling, and ejection.
  • Cooling system: An efficient cooling system is designed to ensure proper cooling and solidification of the molten material within the mold.
  • Ejection system: The ejection system is designed to safely remove the finished part from the mold without causing damage.

Mold Fabrication

The mould fabrication uses various techniques, including CNC machining, electrical discharge machining (EDM), and milling…
The choice of fabrication method depends on factors like the type of mold needed, material compatibility, production volume, and cost considerations. Here are some common mold fabrication methods:

• • Machining for Injection Mold
    Machining is a subtractive manufacturing process that involves cutting, drilling, and shaping materials to create mold components. Common machining methods include milling, turning, drilling, and electrical discharge machining (EDM). Machining is suitable for producing precision molds with complex geometries. Tooling(Die) manufacturing involves precision machining and heat treatment to withstand the high pressures and temperatures involved in these processes.
  • Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
    Additive manufacturing, often referred to as 3D printing, is gaining popularity for creating molds, especially for prototyping and low-volume production. It allows for the rapid creation of molds directly from digital 3D models. Resins, metals, or ceramics can be used in 3D printing for mold fabrication.
  • Injection Molding for Prototyping
    Injection molding can be used to create molds for prototyping purposes. A prototype mold is typically made from less expensive materials and may not have the longevity of production molds. It is suitable for producing a limited number of prototype parts.
  • Composite Mold Fabrication
    Composite materials, such as epoxy or fiberglass, can be used to create molds for specific applications. Composite molds are lightweight and can be cost-effective for certain low-temperature or low-pressure processes.
• • Rapid Tooling
    Rapid tooling combines various fabrication methods to quickly produce molds for prototyping or low-volume production. It often involves a combination of CNC machining, 3D printing, and other techniques to expedite the tooling process.
  • Hybrid Molds
    Hybrid molds may use a combination of different materials and fabrication methods to optimize performance and cost-effectiveness. For example, a mold may have a metal core and cavity with 3D-printed or machined inserts.

Heat Treatment

Some mold materials, such as tool steel, may undergo heat treatment processes like hardening and tempering to achieve the desired hardness and durability.

Surface Finish

The mold surfaces that come into contact with the plastic material may undergo surface treatments, such as polishing or texturing, to achieve the desired surface finish on the molded parts.

Mold Assembly and Trial

The individual components of the mold, such as the core and cavity, are assembled. Then the mold is tested with a trial injection to identify any issues or defects. A mold trial involves running a series of test injections to produce sample parts. These parts are inspected for quality, ensure that parts meet the desired specifications and produces high-quality parts.Adjustments are made as needed to ensure the mold functions correctly.

Injection Molding Production

Once the mold is approved, it is used in the injection molding machine to produce the final parts.

Why to Choose China Injection Mold Suppliers

China is a global major hub for manufacturing and has a well-established industry for producing molds of various types, including plastic injection molds. China has emerged as a global leader in the injection mold industry. It boasts a robust manufacturing infrastructure, advanced technology, and a skilled workforce. Chinese injection mold manufacturer caters to a wide range of industries, including automotive, electronics, consumer goods, and medical devices. The manufacturing industry has experienced significant growth due to its cost-effectiveness, manufacturing capabilities, and expertise.

Chinese injection molds can be highly precise and complex, allowing for the production of intricate and detailed plastic parts. The design and manufacturing capabilities of injection mold maker in China vary, so it’s important to choose a injection mold maker with the expertise to meet your specific requirements.

Here are significant advantages and characteristics of choosing China injection moulds fabrication.

Cost-effectiveness

• • Lower labor costs
    China is known for its relatively low labor costs compared to many other countries. This cost advantage translates into more affordable mold production, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions. The availability of skilled labor at competitive wages allows Chinese manufacturers to offer competitive pricing for their services.
  • Competitive pricing for molds
    The injection mold industry in China benefits from economies of scale and intense competition among manufacturers. This results in competitive pricing for molds, making it advantageous for businesses looking to reduce their production costs. Chinese manufacturers can provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.

Manufacturing capabilities and capacity

• • Advanced technology and equipment
    Chinese injection mold manufacturer have invested in advanced technology and equipment to enhance their manufacturing capabilities. They utilize state-of-the-art CNC machines, EDM machines, and injection molding machines to ensure precision, efficiency, and high-quality production. This technological advantage allows them to handle complex mold designs and meet stringent quality requirements.
  • Large production capacity
    China’s injection mold industry benefits from its vast production capacity. Manufacturers have the ability to handle both small-scale and large-scale projects efficiently. The industry’s ability to cater to high-volume demands makes it an ideal choice for businesses with large production requirements, ensuring timely delivery and meeting project deadlines.

Skilled workforce and expertise

• • Availability of experienced mold maker
    China has a large pool of experienced mold maker who possesses the necessary skills and expertise in mold production. The country has been nurturing a skilled workforce in the manufacturing sector for decades. These mold makers have a deep understanding of mold design, fabrication techniques, and quality control measures. Their experience allows them to tackle complex mold projects effectively.
  • Technical proficiency in mold production
    The Chinese mold manufacturing industry has evolved over the years, and Chinese manufacturers have gained significant technical proficiency in producing high-quality molds. They keep up with the latest advancements in mold-making techniques, materials, and technologies. This expertise ensures that the molds produced in China meet international standards and customer specifications.

Streamlined supply chain

• • Access to raw materials
    China is a major global player in the manufacturing sector and has well-established supply chains for raw materials required for injection molding. The availability of a wide range of materials, including various grades of plastics and additives, ensures that manufacturers can source the required materials easily and at competitive prices.
  • Efficient logistics and shipping options
    China has a well-developed logistics infrastructure and efficient shipping options, both domestically and internationally. This facilitates smooth transportation of molds and finished products to the desired locations. The streamlined logistics network helps reduce lead times and ensures timely delivery, even for overseas customers.

Choose Sungplastic as Your Plastic Mould Supplier in China

Choosing a reliable plastic mold maker in China is crucial if you’re looking to have molds produced for manufacturing purposes. The quality of the molds can significantly impact the quality and cost-effectiveness of your production process.
Here are tips to work with Sungplastic:

Define Your Requirements
Before you start projects with us, clearly define your requirements. Know the type of mold (e.g., injection mold, die-casting mold), the material it should be made from, the expected production volume, and any specific design or tolerance requirements.

Visit the Factory
Whenever possible, visit our facility in person. Then you can learn more about our capabilities, quality control processes, and the overall working environment.

Request Samples and References
Sungplastic allows you to provide samples of previous work, especially if you have specific design requirements. Also, request a list of references you can contact to verify our performance and reliability.

Communication and Language Skills
Effective communication is essential in the whole process. Sungplastic has staff who can communicate in English or your preferred language.

Price Transparency
You will get detailed quotes that include all costs, such as mold design, manufacturing, shipping, and any additional fees. We produce injection molds at a competitive price, and the injection molds obtain the top 10% of manufacturing quality in China at a medium price level.

Lead Time and Capacity
Clarify the lead time for mold production as we need to adjust the capacity and production flow to meet your production demands.

Intellectual Property Protection
Sungplastic will discuss intellectual property protection if you have a patent or privacy. We will respect your designs and not use them for other purposes without your permission.

Payment Terms and Contracts
We will clearly define payment terms, milestones, and warranty terms in a written contract. As a reputable plastic injection mold maker, we are willing to work with you on these terms.

Shipping and Logistics
We will discuss shipping options, including packaging, customs clearance, and transportation, so that we can identify a suitable transport cost mode of transport and efficiently handle the logistics of delivering your molds to your location.

Ongoing Support
We offer post-sales support, including maintenance and repairs if necessary, as a competent injection mold manufacturer.

Start with On-demand manufacturing
We can produce low or large quantities with our standardized flow and advanced technical machinery.

Sungplastic provides mold fabrication and molded parts manufacturing services, including injection molding, CNC machining, over molding, insert molding, rapid prototyping and other techniques. Equipped with various technical machinery, professional designers, engineers and operators, Sungplastic has created many successful cases for many customers from various countries.

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