Step-by-Step Injection Mold Design Process
Product Evaluation
Product evaluation is a pre-mold review of the part structure, wall thickness, draft angles, parting lines, ejector pin layout, and potential molding risks. It provides a formal document for technical communication with the customer before mold design begins.
Regarding the product structure:
Third-Party Design Review
Provides an independent opportunity to identify potential issues in the product drawing and structure.
Improved Design Awareness
Helps product designers better understand injection molding requirements and design considerations.
Clear Mold Structure Requirements
Confirms areas where parting lines or ejector marks are not allowed, especially when mold designers may not fully understand the product's functional requirements.
Identifying potential issues before mold making helps reduce modifications and shorten the sample validation cycle.
Allows sufficient time to confirm design details, technical requirements, and potential risks before mold manufacturing begins.
Mold Layout
Mold layout is a 2D drawing that defines the preliminary mold structure and overall dimensions based on the customer's production requirements, injection molding machine, cavity arrangement, and other specifications. It serves as the basic framework for subsequent mold design.
Mold layout is a 2D drawing that defines the preliminary mold structure and overall dimensions based on the customer's production requirements, injection molding machine, cavity arrangement, and other specifications. It serves as the basic framework for subsequent mold design.
Key Functions:
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Design Framework Provides an overall outline for the mold structure and dimensions.
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Basis for Mold Quotation Provides essential information for estimating mold size, structure, materials, and manufacturing costs.
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Easy Design Modification Product structure changes can be quickly reflected and adjusted on the 2D mold layout.
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Pre-Mold Preparation Once the product structure is confirmed, the mold maker can proceed with material preparation, mold base selection, and other preliminary work.
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Better Cost Understanding For mold designers, creating an accurate mold layout helps improve the understanding and control of overall tooling costs.
Mold Design
Classification of Product Surfaces：
Product surfaces are typically classified into three levels according to their visibility and appearance requirements.
Primary Surface
Directly visible to consumers. No molding defects such as sink marks, burn marks, or exposed fibers are allowed. Parting lines should be avoided; if unavoidable, flash is not permitted.
Secondary Surface
Only visible occasionally, such as after disassembly. No obvious molding defects are allowed. Parting lines are acceptable, with minor flash permitted.
Tertiary Surface
Not visible during normal use. Minor molding defects are acceptable as long as they do not affect the part's function or assembly performance.
