Moldie molds PVC which is one of the cool things that it does. You may be thinking, what the hell is PVC and why do we mold it? PVC is a type of very cool and versatile plastic, making it possible for us to create all sorts of stuff — pipes, toys and even shoes. They are simply transforming long fibers and mounding it as PVC plastic to make other products that are ready to use. So it’s a super important process because a lot of things we depend on are PVC!
So we used following process to mold PVC. We start with tiny bits known as PVC pellets and heat them until they become liquid. The melting step is critical because it changes the solid pellets into a heavy, gooey liquid. After the PVC is completely melted, we pour the hot, melted PVC into a mold — a special tool that can be used to mold the melted PVC into a specific shape. So imagine the mold as a cupcake tin helping create the cupcake in the shape you want! Once we have poured the melted PVC into the mold, we need to allow it to cool. When it cools, it hardens to our desired shape. And finally when it is fully cool and solidified, we can open the mold and extract the new object we have made.
Working with PVC has a little bit of a learning curve. The first step is to design and create the mold. This process can take a few weeks, as we want to ensure that it is made perfectly, so that the right shape is created. It has to be perfect, the design! Once the mold is ready, we put it in some heat, add PVC pellets to the mold and vacuum seal. This pouring phase lasts several hours, as we need to be careful not to rush it. After that, we let the PVC cool and harden, again verifying this every couple hours. What’s it like waiting for your cookies to bake? Once all that has cooled down, we unlock the mold and extract the new object. Wow! That’s a lot of work, but so exciting to watch the end product come together!
The best part about molding PVC is that it creates very sturdy and durable products. PVC is a durable plastic, which means that it does not break as easily or get damaged as easily. It is resistant to chemicals, the elements and impact, so it can stand up to harsh conditions. This is part of the reason the products we make with PVC are long-lasting. PVC molding also enables us to produce compound designs and precise measurements, which are particularly vital when it comes to creating products that require an exact fit, for instance, puzzle pieces!
Why do we like to use PVC molding in our work? Being a flexible material, PVC can be molded into virtually any shape you can imagine. Additionally, it is lightweight, which means it won't take a lot of effort to move and handle. Because PVC molding is precise, it helps minimize the amount of waste we create, which is positive for the planet, but it also accelerates production, allowing us to produce more products in a shorter time frame. But there are some disadvantages in PVC molding that we should keep in mind. PVC, for instance, doesn’t resist heat as well as other plastics, so it can melt under excessive heat. We must be wise about that! It's not quite as sustainable as some other materials, so we need to be conscious of how we use it and get rid of it.
Keep our PVC molding as precise and efficient as possible by doing these few basics. The first stage is to prepare the mold with perfect sizes and details. This is crucial as it allows us to shape the PVC to the desired form. The next thing to ensure is that the tools which heat and pre-cool the PVC are set accordingly. That guarantee that the PVC melts and cools at the right temperature and speed. If we don’t do this part well, it can affect what we end up with! Last but not least, the operators behind the PVC molding machines, should be well versed in their work. They need to be proper and practiced so they can set the temperature and speed to deliver the best results.