How to Choose a Pattern
" Correct Production with Correct Mold Selection
”
Correct Production with Correct Mold Selection
Mold is one of the basic building blocks of a production line. The shape of the product, its dimensional accuracy and production efficiency directly depend on the mold selection. Whether it is plastic injection, sheet metal forming or casting process, correct mold selection is critical for quality production and cost optimization.
How to select a mold? What criteria should be taken into consideration?
1. Product Type and Production Process Should Be Determined
The first step is to determine the type of part to be produced in the mold and which production method it will be processed with:
Product Type Suitable Mold Type
Plastic part Plastic injection mold
Sheet metal part Cutting, bending or progressive mold
Aluminum casting Metal injection mold
Silicone product Silicone mold
Mold material, tolerances and processing method are different for each production type.
2. Production Quantity and Durability Analysis
If a small number of production will be made, more economical materials can be preferred. However, high strength and long-lasting steel materials are essential for molds to be used in mass production.
Short-term production: 1.1730, aluminum, mild steel
Long-term production: 1.2311, 1.2344, hot/cold work tool steels
🛠️ Mold life is directly dependent on the quality of the material used and the frequency of maintenance.
3. Mold Dimensions and Plate Structure
When choosing a mold, physical structures such as:
Mold plate dimensions
Number and position of columns (center, cross, normal)
Surface treatment quality (grinding, heat treatment, etc.)
should be taken into account.
4. Matching with Compatible Press or Machine
The mold must be suitable for the injection or press machine it will be used in. Connection holes, centering pins and table dimensions must be correctly matched.
Tonnage of the injection machine
Press table dimensions
Opening-stroke range
if it is not suitable, the mold will not work efficiently and the investment will be wasted.
5. Cost – Performance Balance
Cost is as important as quality in mold selection. Excessive precision tolerances or expensive materials can increase product costs. Therefore:
Minimum tolerances suitable for the product
Appropriate surface treatment (unnecessary coating/hardening should be avoided)
Material selection according to the duration of use
balance elements such as these should be determined correctly.
6. Technical Support and Standard Molds
Instead of special production of the mold, choosing standard mold systems suitable for the need provides time, cost and ease of service.
As our company REGAL Metalurji;
Plastic injection, sheet metal cutting and casting molds
CNC processed mold plates
Ready-made and special measurement mold sets
we offer special solutions for your sector.