What do I need to prepare for mold opening of silicone products? Drawings, Dimensional Tolerances, Draft Slope and Mold Life

Prepare this information before opening the mold, can save a lot of rework

The most common wastes in silicone molding come from: incomplete data, undefined key dimensions, and unmanufacturable structures. Below is a list of "molding information + engineering points".

I. What information do you need to provide? (list)

1) Structural drawings

• 2D drawing (PDF + editable format recommended)
• 3D files (STEP/IGES more commonly used)

2) Critical dimensions and tolerances

• Which dimensions affect assembly and sealing (recommended to be marked as critical)
• Corresponding tolerance ranges and inspection methods

3) Material and performance requirements

• Material type: silicone/rubber/fluoroelastomer, etc.
• Hardness range (Shore A)
• Whether it needs to be oil resistant, chemical resistant, flame retardant, weather resistant, etc.

4) Appearance and process requirements

• Color (Pantone or sample recommended)
• Surface effect: matte/glossy/feeling
• Whether you need printing, oil spraying, laser engraving, adhesive coating

5) Quantity and delivery time

• Annual usage/single order quantity
• Targeted Delivery and Mass Production Rhythm

Second, the most common engineering pitfalls in the 4 points

(1) Insufficient slanting of the extraction mold

The absence of an extraction taper can lead to: difficult mold release, straining, severe burrs, and dimensional instability.

• Recommendation: Prioritize recognition during the manufacturability review.

2) Thin edges/sharp corners/deep cavities

Prone to: lack of glue, tearing, localized lack of strength.

• Recommendation: Do structural optimization or change the process if necessary.

3) Unreasonable position of parting mold line

The parting line affects: appearance, sealing surfaces, assembly surfaces.

• Recommendation: Clearly label the "appearance/sealing surfaces" in the drawings.

4) Tolerances are written too "idealized"

Tight tolerances can lead to higher costs and lower yields.

• Recommendation: Concentrate tolerances on dimensions that really affect function.

Third, what usually determines mold life and cost?

• Product structure complexity
• Number of cavities
• Mold Steel & Surface Treatment
• Throughput and maintenance frequency
• Availability of secondary process and assembly fixtures

Fourth, the proofing (T0/T1) stage is recommended so that acceptance

• Size Measurement: Key dimensions are up to standard
• Assembly verification: assembly force, scratches, displacement
• Functional verification: sealing/waterproofing/rebounding (per target)
• Appearance confirmation: mold line, burrs, color difference