The Choice of Plastic Daily Necessities Mold

Plastic Daily Necessities molds are typically used in injection molding, blow molding, or compression molding processes, depending on the shape and requirements of the product. The mold defines the product's shape, size, texture, and dimensional accuracy. For daily necessities that are frequently handled and subject to repetitive use, the mold's design and quality have a direct impact on user satisfaction and product longevity.

One of the fundamental considerations is the material used to manufacture the mold itself. Common materials include:

P20 Steel: A pre-hardened tool steel widely used for medium production volumes. It is relatively easy to machine and offers good wear resistance, making it a cost-effective choice for standard household items.

H13 Steel: Known for its high strength and heat resistance, this material is used for molds that are subjected to high temperatures and pressures, suitable for more complex or durable items.

Stainless Steel (420 or S136): Often used when corrosion resistance is needed, such as for molds used in humid environments or with transparent plastic products.

The material choice depends on the expected production cycles, the type of plastic used, and whether the mold needs enhanced precision or surface finish.

Different production needs require different mold characteristics:

Prototype or low-volume production: In such cases, aluminum molds or soft steel molds can be used to reduce costs and time. These molds wear out faster but are sufficient for limited runs.

Mass production: High-volume manufacturing requires durable molds made from hardened steel to ensure consistency and longevity. Such molds can often withstand hundreds of thousands or even millions of cycles with proper maintenance.

Understanding the anticipated production volume is crucial for determining the appropriate mold durability and investment level.

The design of the product to be molded plays a significant role in mold selection. Products with intricate geometries, undercuts, or thin walls require more complex mold designs, possibly with additional features like sliders, lifters, or multi-part cavities.

Single-cavity molds: Suitable for large items or small production volumes.

Multi-cavity molds: Ideal for producing multiple identical items simultaneously, such as toothbrush handles or plastic spoons, improving efficiency and reducing unit cost.

Design features like surface texture, logos, or assembly requirements (snap-fits, hinges, etc.) also influence mold construction and cost.

Different plastic materials have different flow characteristics, shrinkage rates, and thermal properties. The mold must be compatible with the intended resin—whether it is polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or other types.

For example:

PP and PE: Widely used for food containers and storage products; require molds with good release properties.

ABS: Often used for bathroom accessories and personal care items; molds must allow for smooth finishes.

Proper matching between mold design and resin characteristics ensures product quality and reduces defect rates.

The cost of a plastic mold can vary significantly depending on the size, material, complexity, and expected lifespan. It is important to balance upfront mold costs with long-term production needs. A higher initial investment in a durable mold may offer better value over time, especially for high-volume products.

Cost factors include:

Mold material and heat treatment

Number of cavities

Complexity of cooling and ejection systems

Post-processing requirements (polishing, texturing)