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Male vs. Female molds:
There are basically two types of molds: male and female. In choosing which mold
style best suits your needs, there are several things that have to be considered:
1. Determine which side of the part you want to have controlled by forming.
2. Consider the geometry of the part. Does it lend itself to male or female?
3. Next determine whether sharp detail is required on the inside or outside of the part.
Male:
Male molds typically are used to control the inside of the part; wall thickness
variations are to the outside. Usually male molds will use a pre-textured material
to give an attractive outside appearance. With a male mold larger radii will be
apparent on the outside surface as the material wall thickness stretches around the
mold's features. Often times, a "chill-line" or flow lines will be visible where
material chilling has begun.
Female:
If it is a requirement to have sharply molded appearance on the outside of the part,
this would suggest a female mold. A female mold produces the mold surface on the
outside of the part. If precise features are required on the inside of a female-molded part,
which is the uncontrolled side exhibiting varying wall surfaces, post operations such
as milling a wall thickness to a given dimension may be required.
Draft Requirements: Male molds: require 2-4 degrees. Female molds: Machined female molds with smooth sides can have as little as zero degrees draft; cast molds will require a minimum of 1 degree draft, and molds that have texture can require 3 to 7 degrees draft. Remember that the process molds only one side of the part (the controlled side.)
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