Mould tools are used within the various methods utilised to mould plastic and rubber components. The mould cavity mirrors the desired shape of the component to be moulded, before being filled with molten material and cooled to solidify the component.
It is important that the mould tool allows trapped air to escape so that the structural integrity of the component is not compromised by air bubbles. It is also usually necessary for the mould tool to incorporate channels, through which water can be circulated to cool the component - if this is not achieved at the necessary rate, the component can subsequently become distorted.
As there are various moulding processes and therefore, various types of mould tool, they can be made using a range of different materials. The most common materials used are tool steel, stainless steel and aluminium. Like dies, mould tools often consist of multiple parts, with most of the components being machined. Milling, turning, drilling and countersinking are all common processes within the manufacture of mould tools.
