Molding (process)

Molding or moulding (see spelling differences) is the process of manufacturing by shaping pliable raw material using a rigid frame or model called a pattern.

A mold or mould is a hollowed-out block that is filled with a liquid like plastic, glass, metal, or ceramic raw materials. The liquid hardens or sets inside the mold, adopting its shape. A mold is the counterpart to a cast. The manufacturer who makes the molds is called the moldmaker. A release agent is typically used to make removal of the hardened/set substance from the mold easier. Typical uses for molded plastics include molded furniture, molded household goods, molded cases, and structural materials.

Types of molding include:

  • Blow molding
  • Compaction plus sintering
  • Compression molding
  • Expandable bead molding
  • Extrusion molding
  • Foam molding
  • Injection molding
  • Laminating
    • Reaction injection molding
  • Matched mold
  • Matrix molding
  • Plastic moulding
  • Pressure plug assist molding
  • Rotational molding (or Rotomolding)
  • Transfer molding
  • Thermoforming
    • Vacuum forming, a simplified version of thermoforming
  • Vacuum plug assist molding
  • Injection molding die with side pulls
  • "A" side of die for 25% glass-filled acetal with 2 side pulls

  • Close up of removable insert in "A" side

  • "B" side of die with side pull actuators

  • Insert removed from die

Famous quotes containing the word molding:

    To translate, one must have a style of his own, for otherwise the translation will have no rhythm or nuance, which come from the process of artistically thinking through and molding the sentences; they cannot be reconstituted by piecemeal imitation. The problem of translation is to retreat to a simpler tenor of one’s own style and creatively adjust this to one’s author.
    Paul Goodman (1911–1972)