How to Make an Aluminum Casting Mold

Copper Casting , Copper Castings, Aluminum Castings , Steel Castings
Injection molding is used in many processes in every industry from automotive to aerospace. Injection molding is a process where a material, such as plastic, is injected into a mold. The mold can be made out of various materials, but it is typically made out of a strong material capable of handling the stresses of injection molding. Aluminum is a common material used to make molds for injection molding. The aluminum is typically cut with a CNC mill or a CNC lathe. Grooves are put in the metal to allow airflow.

Instructions

1

Design a mold in with CAD software. There will typically be two halves which come apart to release your piece. There must also be a channel where the injected material will flow into the mold.

2

Run a fluid simulation to make sure that the plastic will flow smoothly through the mold. Design grooves or channels into the mold so that air can escape.

3

Prepare the aluminum stock for machining. Pre-cuts may be needed by manual milling and/or lathe equipment to make the stock fit the CNC machine.

4

Brace the aluminum stock on the CNC machine, zero the machine and cut the mold.

5

Brace the cut mold onto the injection molder and do trial runs. If the part does not inject all the way, then additional air channels may need to be cut.

6

Cut additional channels where needed and run another test trial If the part does not inject all the way then repeat this step until the material makes a complete part.