In the manufacturing of plastic products, the selection of the mould is a crucial step, especially when producing plastic baskets. Plastic baskets are widely used in households, commercial settings, logistics, and more. Therefore, choosing the right plastic basket mould not only impacts the product's quality, appearance, and functionality but also directly affects production efficiency and cost control.
Selection of Materials for Plastic Basket Mould
The material chosen for the plastic basket mould directly influences the mould's lifespan and production efficiency. Common mould materials used by the plastic mold maker include:
P20 Steel: Typically used for medium to low-volume moulds, P20 steel offers good machinability and hardness, making it suitable for producing plastic baskets that do not require extremely high precision.
2738 Steel: Ideal for high-quality, high-precision moulds, 2738 steel provides excellent wear resistance, making it suitable for long-term, large-volume production.
S136 Steel: A stainless steel material with higher corrosion resistance, S136 is suitable for producing food-grade plastic baskets and can withstand higher temperatures and pressures.
718H Steel: Known for its excellent machinability and high hardness, 718H steel is ideal for high-demand, high-precision moulds.
Choosing the right steel can significantly extend the lifespan of the plastic basket mould and reduce maintenance costs during production.
Structural Design of Plastic Basket Mould
The structural design of a plastic basket mould should be based on the specific design requirements of the plastic basket. Key design points include:
Parting Line Design: The parting line is the critical interface when the plastic basket mould is formed. It must account for the shape of the plastic basket, core-pulling methods, and whether the product surface needs to be smooth. The location of the parting line should ensure smooth material flow and easy demoulding during the forming process.
Venting System Design: The venting system is vital for expelling gases during the injection moulding process. Poor venting can cause surface defects or burning. Therefore, the venting system of the plastic basket mould must be optimized based on the structure of the basket.
Cooling System Design: The cooling system is a key factor in improving production efficiency. A good cooling system can speed up the injection cycle, reduce product deformation, and ensure consistency and stability in the plastic basket. Properly arranged cooling channels ensure even cooling across all areas of the mould.
Injection Channel Design: The design of the injection channels should ensure uniform flow of the plastic material, avoiding air bubbles or uneven wall thickness. This guarantees the stable quality of all parts of the plastic basket mould.
