Aluminum mold for small HDPE prototype part
Aluminum mold for small HDPE prototype part
(OP)
I am new to the world of polymer prototyping and mold making, so any assistance to the following is much appreciated.
I am tasked with making a small number of HDPE components for an end-use of corrosion protection to a small steel structural component.
I have machined an aluminum mold (2 piece mold) and I have a polymer injection machine and HDPE to make the components. The part is relatively small and is an annular disc of 2" dia, 1/8" thick, with 5/8" dia central hole, as follows:
The 6061 alum mold I made is 3" diameter, and each half is 3/8" in thickness, with a machined recess of 1/16" to each half to create the 1/8" component thickness, complete with injection port, and also internal alignment holes/pins.
So my questions are:
1. Do I need to use a release agent applied to the alum mold, and if so, are there any preferred/recommended types?
2. Should I plan on pre-heating the mold or possibly using a mold band heater?
Thanks in advance.
I am tasked with making a small number of HDPE components for an end-use of corrosion protection to a small steel structural component.
I have machined an aluminum mold (2 piece mold) and I have a polymer injection machine and HDPE to make the components. The part is relatively small and is an annular disc of 2" dia, 1/8" thick, with 5/8" dia central hole, as follows:
The 6061 alum mold I made is 3" diameter, and each half is 3/8" in thickness, with a machined recess of 1/16" to each half to create the 1/8" component thickness, complete with injection port, and also internal alignment holes/pins.
So my questions are:
1. Do I need to use a release agent applied to the alum mold, and if so, are there any preferred/recommended types?
2. Should I plan on pre-heating the mold or possibly using a mold band heater?
Thanks in advance.





RE: Aluminum mold for small HDPE prototype part
Dr. Chris DeArmitt
President
Expert plastic materials help
www.phantomplastics.com
RE: Aluminum mold for small HDPE prototype part
Paul Kuklych
http://www.improve-your-injection-molding.com
RE: Aluminum mold for small HDPE prototype part
Can't quite see why both tool halves are machined? A toolmaker would have put a 1/8 deep impression in the moving half and kept the fixed half flat. Alignment becomes much less critical then. (This also ensures part stays on the moving half when tool opens).
Personally, I would get them water jet cut rather than stamping as it will give better edges, and will not require any tooling. Machining sounds promising, but I have no experience of how HDPE machines.
H
www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk
It's ok to soar like an eagle, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
RE: Aluminum mold for small HDPE prototype part
http://www.cshyde.com/die-cutting-services.html
Chris
Dr. Chris DeArmitt
President
Expert plastic materials help
www.phantomplastics.com