Modern advances in plastic forming molds have made plastic products so versatile that they can take on almost any form. There are a variety of ways to heat and form plastics. Molds are used in every method. Pre-fabricated plastic forming molds are available for many applications. If a pre-fabricated mold is not available, one can be engineered.

The type of plastic forming mold you choose depends on how the plastic is processed in your specific application. When purchasing molds, remember that each process is unique and uses a different type of mold configuration. Some of the most common methods for forming plastic are:

1. Extrusion molding

2. Injection molding

3. Compression molding

4. Transfer molding

5. Thermoforming molding

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

Compare extrusion plastic molding manufacturers

Extrusion molding manufacturers will carry the type of molding you are looking for.

I recommend: Fram Track Industries is a plastic molding manufacturer of custom and stock plastic extrusion molds that include extrusions and co-extrusions in any color or length. Diesa USA manufactures plastic extrusion molds for the automotive, domestic & commercial appliance industries.

Order plastic injection molds from certified plastic forming companies

Injection-molding machinery operations occur in tightly-controlled intervals and temperatures.

I recommend: BMJ Mold and Engineering Company is a certified custom manufacturer of plastic injection molds including single and complex multi-cavity molds for automotive, medical, transportation, agriculture and food packaging applications. Capabilities include mold designing, building and engineering services for plastic injection molds. Canon Virginia is a certified manufacturer of plastic injection molds that will build to your exact specifications using the latest technology in high-speed machining.

Locate plastic compression molding equipment

In compression molding, materials immediately get placed in mold cavities. Heat and pressure applications make them plastic, then turn them solid.

I recommend: MC Mold and Machine manufactures compression molds for the housewares, material handling, aerospace and electronics industries. Southwest Plastics Company is a manufacturer and service company for plastic compression molds that also offers design and engineering services.

Find distributors of transfer plastic molding equipment

In the transfer method, the plastic compound is plasticized by outside heating and then poured into a mold to harden. This method is used for designs with intricate shapes and great variations in wall thickness.

I recommend: The Outsourcing Network manufactures plastic transfer molding and tooling fabrication for plastic parts. Single and multiple cavity molds are available. Advanced Process Technology manufactures plastics transfer molds for electronic and mechanical applications.

Obtain information on thermoforming plastic forming molds

Plastic thermoforming heats a plastic sheet until pliable and then presses it against a cool mold until it is rigid. Thermoforming molds are used when large surface area-to-wall thickness parts are needed, when rapid evaluation of product designs are sought, when very high production rates of thin-walled parts are desired, and when a few to a few hundred thick-walled parts are needed.

I recommend: Astro Manufacturing and Design distributes and manufactures plastic molds including thermoformed or vacuum formed molds. Available moldings for plastics including urethane, polypropylene and ABS. Beverly Pattern also designs and manufactures thermoforming molds ranging from thin-gauge blister to heavy-gauge parts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Plastic mold estimates should include the proper auxiliary equipment around the mold as well as setup of the necessary fabricating process such as quality controls, troubleshooting guides, preventative maintenance and operational safety procedures.
• •  When purchasing plastic forming molds, look for manufacturers who use digital control processing technology.
• •  The plastic forming mold manufacturer you choose should guarantee timely delivery.