1. Project Initiation Phase

The customer clearly communicates product requirements, including shape, dimensional accuracy, material, production volume, and surface finish, to the mold manufacturer, and provides 3D drawings or physical samples for precise understanding. The manufacturer analyzes mold structure complexity, estimates production cycles, calculates costs, and feeds back quotations and schedules. Once agreed, a contract is signed to define rights, responsibilities, and quality standards. The customer pays an advance, typically 30% - 50% of the total price, to start the project.

2. Mold Design Phase

(1) Product Analysis

Using software like Moldflow, the design team analyzes the 3D model to determine parting lines, accounts for shrinkage, and optimizes structures to reduce deformation risks.

(2) Mold Structure Design

Design the mold structure, including cavity quantity, inserts, side cores, and gating and cooling systems. Select materials, define heat treatment and surface finishes. Draw 2D engineering drawings with specified tolerances and roughness.

(3) Design Review

Experts review the design for smooth mold opening and closing, cooling efficiency, and structural strength. Revise based on feedback to ensure feasibility and cost - effectiveness.

3. Raw Material Procurement Phase

(1) Material Selection

Choose mold steels and standard parts. Select appropriate materials based on mold application requirements.

(2) Supplier Selection

Partner with reliable suppliers and sign contracts specifying specifications, quantity, price, and delivery.

(3) Material Inspection

Check hardness, chemical composition, and dimensions. Reject non - conforming materials.

4. Mold Processing Phase

(1) Part Machining

Use milling, lathe, grinding, EDM, and wire - cutting to machine parts, controlling critical tolerances and roughness.

(2) Heat Treatment

Perform quenching, tempering, or nitriding on critical parts to enhance durability.

(3) Surface Treatment

Apply chrome plating, nickel plating, or polishing as needed.

5. Mold Assembly Phase

(1) Part Cleaning

Clean parts to remove oil and debris for smooth assembly.

(2) Mold Assembly

Assemble the mold base, inserts, side cores, and gating, cooling, and ejection systems. Control fit clearances for smooth operation.

(3) Debugging & Optimization

Test mold opening, closing, and ejection. Run trial injections, adjust until samples meet requirements.

6. Mold Acceptance Phase

(1) Visual Inspection

Check for scratches, rust, and clear markings.

(2) Dimensional Measurement

Verify critical dimensions with tools.

(3) Functional Testing

Test mold opening, ejection, cooling, and gating. Ensure smooth demolding without damage.

7. Packaging & Transportation Phase

(1) Packaging

Pack molds in wooden or metal boxes with cushioned materials to prevent damage.

(2) Transportation Arrangement

Partner with professional carriers, insure appropriately, and monitor transit.

8. After - sales Service Phase

(1) On - site Installation & Debugging

Send technicians to install and debug the mold on the customer’s injection machine.

(2) Operator Training

Train operators on installation, disassembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

(3) Maintenance

Respond to repair requests promptly. Regularly inspect molds to extend service life.