• The Model
• The Rough Mold
• The Master
• The Case Mold
• The Block
• The Production Mold

The Model:

The model, sometimes referred to as a pattern, is designed using plaster. Sculptures are usually created using clay (moist) or plastercine (dry).  Existing objects can be used as models or patterns and they include wood carvings, papier mache, glass, resin, metal, and so on.  Each of the latter materials have their own unique set of problems for molding though. For further information, link onto Product Design.

The Rough Mold:

Sometimes referred to as a waste mold, the rough mold is used simply to make an impression of the model.

The Master:

The second step involves constructing a master.  A master is a hard-plaster duplicate of the original model.  Making a master allows the mold making process to continue without further damage the original model.

The Case Mold:

The case mold is the first perfect mold.  The sides of this mold have been formed and sculpted to make the final production mold lighter and more efficient. The case mold is the exactly what the production molds will look like.  A kind of misnomer, as the case mold is used to build a hard-plaster case around the mold. The case is then used to make the block.

The Block:

The blocks are made using super-hard plaster cements.  The blocks are used to reproduce the production molding efficiently and inexpensively and will be the same as the case mold in appearance. The block with consists the hard-plaster case rails around the block of the original mold.

From the case mold, the final blocks are made.  The production molding can now be reproduced inexpensively and perfectly from these blocks.

The Production Molds:

Sometimes referred to as working or slave molds, the production molds are the culmination of all the above steps. For further information, link onto How to Make Ceramic Products.

Masterline Molds can help you with all your general design and provide all the production molds.  They welcome your inquiries regarding 3-D design work only, or from your designs, developing and making your production molds.  For further information, contact Masterline today.