Molding (process)

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

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 (see casting). The manufacturer who makes the molds is called moldmaker. A release agent is typically used to make removal of the hardened/set substance from the mold easier.

Types of molding include:

• Powder metallurgy and ceramics
• Compaction plus sintering
• Plastics
• Injection molding
• Compression molding
• Transfer molding
• Extrusion molding
• Blow molding
• Rotational molding
• Thermoforming
• Vacuum forming, a simplified version of thermoforming
• Reaction Injection Molding
• Laminating
• Expandable bead molding
• Foam molding
• Rotomolding
• Vacuum plug assist molding
• Pressure plug assist molding
• Matched mold

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Last updated on Thursday March 13, 2008 at 16:00:23 PDT (GMT -0700)
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