1. The application of molds
2. The type of material used in the molds for creating an object
3. Good quality mold manufacturers and suppliers

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research different types of molds to select one which satisfies your job requirements

You can use molds to create a variety of objects from different types of materials including plasters, clay, resin, paper, rubber, glass and metals. Selection of a correct mold is necessary to complete the job efficiently. For example, to select molds made from rubber, you must check for flexibility and release.

I recommend: Puppets and Props is a good source of information on mold making services. You can further find information on how to create a rubber mold by using mold builder on Artmolds. Cynthia Howe Miniatures explains the mold making process.

Shop for molds from different mold manufacturers

Once you understand your requirements, you are ready to select the specific manufacturer to buy the right kind of mold.

I recommend: MME Group Inc. and Tri Town Precision Plastics, Inc. provide custom injection molding services. Cynthia Howe Miniatures provides different types of molds and mold training services. Ohio Precision Molding, Inc. designs and manufactures injection molds. Molds & Plastic Machinery, Inc. provides injection molds, blow molds and molding machinery.

Find an online retailer for molds and mold making services

You can visit various online retailers to select an appropriate mold from different manufacturers.

I recommend: You can buy molds and molding machines on Gator Plastics. You can use Mold Making Technology to get a list of companies engaged in mold designing, mold materials, mold components and mold making services. GlobalSpec also provides a list of companies that offer mold making services. American Mold Builders Association provides further information on mold making and mold making companies.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Select good quality materials to create objects from molds, as they will make the object strong and long lasting.
• •  While pouring plaster into a mold, pour it from the sides and not directly into the block as it will help create a proper shape and will avoid formation of air bubbles.
• •  The cheapest molds are not always the best buy, especially if lower price means low quality.