Thermoforming Molds

Since 2001 Hamer Packaging Technology has specialized in the production of tooling for the plastic thermoforming and vacuum forming industries. Being initially developed as an additional valued service intended to be use on our own thermoforming machines, has later evolved into an standalone business unit, manufacturing thermoforming molds for third parties. During this time, we have developed cutting-edge technology, and state-of-the-art production techniques, allowing us to produce products at a reasonable cost in a short amount of time.

Thermoform Mold Production

The process of mold production begins with a design. This can either be done completely by Hamer, or imported from customer files into our CAD. From there, the geometry is manipulated and exported to our Computer-Aided Manufacturing software, where the mold program is written.

In order to achieve a longer mold life and to obtain the required heat transfer characteristics, molds are made from aluminum, either cast aluminum or directly machined from aluminum solid block, using Hamer's own CNC milling machines.

Pipes or channels are cast into the mould at this point to provide temperature control during molding. As the mould is being used in production it will undergo a process of heating and cooling for each product that it produces. The temperature of the mold affects the surface appearance of the parts. Further, a variation in the mold temperature will cause a definitive change in the size of the part. Excessive heat will produce shrinkage, whereas a lowering of the mold temperature will have just the opposite effect.

Final assembly and finishing of moulds is also done at Hamer's facilities All moulds are hand-finished to a very high standard. The mold must be finished to the same standard required of the final product. And the mold and all its components must be robust enough to survive the entire manufacturing life of the particular model it was built for.

Internal bends on the mould surface are drilled though with 1mm holes to enable a vacuum to be applied in these tight corners from inside the mould during the molding process. The vacuum ensures that the soft plastic is pulled right into the mould detail for a perfect result. These holes are carefully drilled by hand, making sure not to hit any of the cast-in temperature control plumbing.

Finally the moulds are packed up and dispatched to production factories across the world.