Molding (process)  

From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia

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Molding or moulding is the process of manufacturing by shaping pliable raw material using a rigid frame or model called a pattern.

A mold or mould is a hollowed-out block that is filled with a liquid like plastic, glass, metal, or ceramic raw materials. The liquid hardens or sets inside the mold, adopting its shape. A mold is the opposite of a cast. The manufacturer who makes the molds is called the moldmaker. A release agent is typically used to make removal of the hardened/set substance from the mold easier.

The terminology can depend on the application. Sand casting involves both a "pattern" (which is the positive-image model of the desired part) and a "mold" (which is the negative-image hole made by packing sand around the pattern).

Types of molding include:

• Compaction plus sintering
• Injection molding
  • Reaction injection molding
• Matrix molding
• Compression molding
• Transfer molding
• Extrusion molding
• Blow molding
• Rotational molding
• Thermoforming
  • Vacuum forming, a simplified version of thermoforming
• Matrix molding
• Laminating
• Expandable bead molding
• Foam molding
• Rotomolding
• Vacuum plug assist molding
• Pressure plug assist molding
• Matched mold