Plastic mold processing refers to the processing of plastic molding and plastic preform tools, consisting of two parts: upper mold and lower mold. Its basic characteristics are as follows:

(1) High machining accuracy requirements

A mold usually consists of a concave mold, a convex mold, and a mold base, and some may also be a multi piece assembly module. Therefore, the combination of upper and lower molds, the combination of inserts and cavities, and the assembly between modules all require high machining accuracy. The dimensional accuracy of precision molds often reaches μ M-level.

(2) Complex shape and surface

Some products, such as automotive panels, aircraft parts, toys, and household appliances, have a surface shape composed of multiple curved surfaces, resulting in a complex mold cavity surface. Some surfaces must be processed using mathematical calculations.

(3) Small batch size

The production of molds is not mass production, and in many cases, only one batch is produced.

(4) Multiple processes

In mold processing, various processes such as milling, boring, drilling, reaming, and threading are always used.

(5) Repetitive production

The use of molds has a lifespan. When a mold exceeds its lifespan, it needs to be replaced with a new mold, so the production of the mold often has repeatability.

(6) Profiling processing

Sometimes in mold production, there are no drawings or data, and it is necessary to carry out profiling processing based on the actual object. This requires high imitation accuracy and no deformation.

(7) Excellent mold material and high hardness

The main materials of the mould are mostly made of high-quality alloy steel, especially the mould with long life, which is often made of ledeburite steel such as Crl2 and CrWMn. This type of steel has strict requirements from rough forging, processing to heat treatment. Therefore, the compilation of processing technology cannot be ignored, and heat treatment deformation is also a problem that needs to be taken seriously in processing.