Steel molds are made to a drawing or a sample component. We design and manufacture steel molds for the production of concrete components. The element is cast according to the mold, so the precision of the mold determines the accuracy of the finished component.
When it is worth creating your own mold
Having your own mold pays off in two cases. The first is repetition: if the same component is needed multiple times, the cost of the mold is divided between the pieces, and every subsequent component will have exactly the same dimensions as the previous one. The second is a dimension that cannot be achieved with a standard solution.
For a single component, it is usually cheaper to use an existing solution or to design the part differently. If you order a single piece, we will be honest about it and offer an alternative.
What to consider regarding the mold
The mold must withstand the pressure and vibration of the concrete, while simultaneously being able to open so that the finished component can be removed intact. These two requirements work against each other, and that is where most mold design decisions are made.
The second factor is the number of uses. A mold that produces ten components and a mold that produces a thousand are not the same: material thickness, connection solutions, and surface treatment are selected based on this number. Therefore, we ask for this right at the beginning.
Which steel molds suit series production
A mold for series production differs from a one-off mold in four things.
- Frame stiffness. The mold has to give the same dimension on the hundredth cast as on the first, so the frame is designed not to yield under the pressure of the concrete and the vibration.
- Opening. In a series it matters how fast the mold opens and closes. Alongside bolted joints we use hinges and quick locks in a series mold, because they save time on every cycle.
- Surface and corners. A smooth surface and clean corners keep the finish of the component even and the cleaning of the mold fast.
- Vibration. When the concrete is compacted with a vibrator mounted on the mold, the mounting point is designed together with the frame.
The number of uses is agreed before the design work, because the material thickness and the joint solution follow from it. Say how many components are planned when you ask for a quote. It changes the price of the mold more than the shape of the component does.
How the manufacture of steel molds works
We start with a drawing or the dimensions of the component. If there is no drawing, we can prepare one based on the description and dimensions.
Next, we agree on the construction of the mold: how it opens, how the component comes out, where the concrete enters, and how many times the mold will be used. Only then does the work go into production. This sequence prevents the most expensive mistake: a finished mold from which the component cannot be removed.
How the price is determined
The price is determined by the dimensions and shape of the component, the expected number of uses for the mold, the thickness of the material, and how many moving parts the mold requires. A straight and simple-shaped component is cheaper than one for which the mold must open in several places. Send us a drawing or dimensions and the planned quantity, and then we can provide a price.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a mold according to my drawing?
Yes. Send the drawing, and we will review whether the mold can be made directly from it or if modifications are necessary.
How long does the mold last?
This depends on the construction of the mold and how it is used and maintained. The number of uses is agreed upon during the design phase, as it affects the choice of materials.
Do you also manufacture individual molds?
Yes, we do. In the case of a single mold, it is worth reviewing whether it is practical to make it or whether the part is simpler to design another way.
Can the mold be modified later?
Often it can, if the modification is minor. In the case of a major modification, it must be reviewed whether reworking it is cheaper than a new mold.
Does the same mold suit both a single component and a series?
It does not. A one-off mold is kept as simple as possible, while in a series mold a stiffer frame, hinges and quick locks pay for themselves. Say the quantity before the design work, and the mold comes out right the first time.
