From Planning to Machining CNC Mold For Silicone Products
Using a CNC mold in product development includes steps like design and CNC machining.
CNC Molding for Silicone: A Close Look
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. Known for exact cuts, crucial for molds. Each mold matches its plan.
CNC molding brings precision and consistency. Good for making a wide range of silicone products, reliably. It fits different silicone molding methods like compression, overmolding, liquid injection, and extrusion.
Designing the Mold
Design needs a deep grasp of the product’s size, shape, and complexity. You start with a CAD model of the product’s opposite shape. For example, in silicone compression molding:
- Know Your Product: Size, shape, complexity – they all matter. Designs start with these in a CAD model.
- Draft Angles: Angles help release the mold. Usually, 2 degrees per mm works. The right angle makes demolding easier.
- Parting Lines: Keep them simple. They affect how the product looks and works.
- Flash Control: Align the mold well. It keeps the excess off. Durable inserts help.
- Venting: Let air out to avoid flaws. Place vents smartly. Check them with flow analyzing.
- Mold Care: Look after your mold. Use strong materials. It lasts longer.
- Temperature Control: Manage heat well. Use systems that spread heat evenly.
- Ejecting: Choose the right way to get the product out without harming it. For delicate surfaces, use careful methods.
That's CNC molding for silicone. Done right, it's precise and reliable.
Materials for CNC Mold
These molds, called "compression molds" or "tooling," are shaped precisely by CNC machines.
- Steel, in forms like carbon and stainless, is a common choice. It's strong and lasts long.
- Aluminum suits lightweight molds, ideal for smaller batches.
- Brass, copper, and bronze are used for their ability to conduct heat.
- Titanium is chosen for its strength and resistance to corrosion.
- Cast iron, known for its stability, fits larger, heavy-duty molds.
Metals like nickel alloys, zinc, magnesium, lead, tungsten, Invar, Monel, and Hastelloy are selected for specific needs. They're known for resisting corrosion, withstanding high temperatures, or fitting specialized mold demands.
| Specifications | Representative Product Name | Hardness [HRC] | Material Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quenched and Tempered Material [Non-Sintered] | SUS | STAVAX | 33 |
| SUS | PSL | 35 | |
| AISI | NAK55 | 40 | |
| Sintered [Tempered Steel] | SUS | STAVAX | 52 |
| SUS | ELMAX | 57 | |
| SKD11 | PD613 | 60 |
| Specifications | Representative Product Name | Hardness [HRC] | Material Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC | S50C | 13 | SC material, prone to rust |
| SUS | RAMAX | 33 | SUS material, not easy to rust, but more expensive |
Case Studies or Examples
The images show molds for specific uses.
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FAQ
Turnaround Time?
Typically 3-4 Days. The time required varies based on size and complexity, but we generally complete molds within 3 to 4 days.
Examples of Past Projects?
Available Upon Request. Contact us at info@siliconedabojin.com for examples of our successful projects and molds.