In product development, not every project needs expensive, high-volume tooling. Whether you’re validating a new design, testing a product in the market, or making personalized items, the simple mold production and processing process offers a flexible, budget-friendly solution. It bridges the gap between prototype and full-scale production, making it easy to turn ideas into tangible products—without the long waits or big costs of complex mold systems. Let’s break down how it works, who it’s for, and why it’s a smart choice for many teams.
1. What Is the Simple Mold Production and Processing Process?
At its core, the simple mold production and processing process is a streamlined manufacturing method for creating low-cost, easy-to-make molds (like silicone or basic metal molds) to produce small batches of products or samples. Unlike complex industrial molds that take months to build, simple molds are designed for speed and affordability.
Think of it as “DIY mold making for professionals”: instead of investing in a fancy, custom-built mold, you use straightforward materials and steps to create a mold that gets the job done. It’s perfect for preliminary design checks, market testing samples, or personalized products—scenarios where you don’t need 10,000+ units, just enough to test or sell to a small audience.
2. Who Benefits Most from Simple Mold Processing?
Not sure if this process fits your needs? The table below highlights the key users and use cases where simple mold production shines:
| User/Industry | Common Use Cases | Real-World Example |
|---|---|---|
| Startups & Small Businesses | Testing new product designs before big investments | A startup making 20 plastic prototypes of a pet feeder to show to potential investors |
| Marketing Teams | Creating samples for market research | A beauty brand producing 50 small lipstick tube samples to test consumer preferences |
| Custom Product Makers | Making personalized items (low volume) | A jewelry designer using silicone molds to create 30 custom resin pendants for a local craft fair |
| Educational Institutions | Teaching manufacturing basics | A university engineering class building simple metal molds to make plastic toy parts |
3. Step-by-Step Simple Mold Production and Processing Workflow
The process follows a clear, linear path—from design to finished product. Below is a detailed timeline to guide you through each phase:
Phase 1: Design & Validation (1–2 Days)
First, you need a solid design that works with simple mold processing.
- 3D Modeling: Use CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) to create a detailed 3D model of your product. This model is your “roadmap” for mold making.
- Design Review: Check if the design is suitable for simple molds. Ask: Can it be made with basic materials (silicone/metal)? Are there no overly complex features (like tiny, hard-to-reach holes) that would break a simple mold?
Phase 2: Simple Mold Preparation (2–4 Days)
This is where you build the mold itself—choose the right material and method based on your product.
| Step | Key Actions (By Mold Type) |
|---|---|
| Material Selection | – Silicone Molds: Best for flexible, low-cost parts (e.g., resin, soft plastic).- Simple Metal Molds: Ideal for rigid, durable parts (e.g., hard plastic, small metal components). |
| Mold Base Preparation | If needed, make a simple base (using wood or plastic) to hold the mold steady during production. |
| Mold Making | – CNC Machining (Metal Molds): Use a CNC machine to carve the mold’s cavity (the shape of your product) directly into the metal.- Silicone Casting (Silicone Molds): Mix liquid silicone, pour it over a prototype (made via 3D printing or handcrafting), and let it cure (6–24 hours) to form the mold. |
Phase 3: Injection Molding Preparation & Production (1–3 Days)
With the mold ready, it’s time to make your products.
- Mold Assembly: Attach the simple mold to a small injection molding machine (perfect for low-volume work). Make sure it’s tight to avoid leaks.
- Raw Material Prep: Gather your production material—usually plastic pellets or powders. Melt them down into a liquid (the machine does this automatically).
- Parameter Setting: Adjust the machine’s key settings:
- Temperature: 180–220°C (for most plastics)
- Pressure: 300–800 psi (lower than complex molds, since simple molds are less durable)
- Cooling Time: 5–15 seconds (fast, since parts are often small)
- Injection & Curing: Inject the molten material into the mold. Let it cool and harden, then pop out the finished part—simple!
Phase 4: Post-Treatment & Quality Check (1 Day)
Finish the parts to make them look and work great.
- Deburring: Use a small blade or sandpaper to remove tiny flaws (burrs, flash) from the edges.
- Sanding & Painting: Sand the surface for smoothness, then paint or add logos (if needed) to boost appearance.
- Quality Inspection:
- Dimensional Check: Use a ruler or caliper to ensure the part matches your 3D model’s size.
- Functional Testing: Test how it works—e.g., if it’s a lid, check if it fits a container; if it’s a button, see if it presses easily.
4. Simple Mold vs. Complex Mold: Which Should You Choose?
Wondering when to pick simple mold processing over complex industrial molds? Let’s compare the two:
| Factor | Simple Mold Production | Complex Mold Production |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Time | 5–9 days | 4–8 weeks |
| Cost (Mold + 50 Parts) | Low ($200–$1,500) | High ($5,000–$50,000+) |
| Batch Size Ideal For | 1–500 units | 1,000+ units |
| Material Options | Silicone, basic metal, plastic | High-grade steel, aluminum, exotic alloys |
| Flexibility (Design Changes) | High (easy to redo a simple mold) | Low (changing a complex mold is costly) |
5. Yigu Technology’s Perspective on Simple Mold Processing
At Yigu Technology, we’ve used the simple mold production and processing process to help 250+ small businesses and startups cut product launch costs by 60%. It’s a “gateway” process—letting teams test ideas without risking big budgets. We often recommend silicone molds for custom or soft parts, and simple metal molds for rigid components. For clients in consumer goods and DIY markets, it’s not just about cost; it’s about speed—getting samples to market in weeks, not months. Simple mold processing isn’t just a method; it’s how we empower small teams to compete with bigger players.
FAQ
Q1: How many times can a simple mold be used?
It depends on the material: silicone simple molds last 10–50 uses (great for one-off samples), while simple metal molds can last 500–1,000 uses (better for repeated small batches).
Q2: Can simple mold processing make complex-shaped products?
It works for moderately complex shapes (e.g., curved edges, basic holes). But it struggles with very detailed features (e.g., micro-channels, undercuts) that would get stuck in the mold or break it during removal.
Q3: Is simple mold processing only for plastic parts?
No! You can use it for resin, wax, soft rubber, and even small metal parts (with simple metal molds). It’s versatile enough for everything from keychains to small electronic housings.