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3D mold making: Custom molds for chocolate, soap, and candle holders with 3D printing and vacuum forming

3D mold making: Custom molds for chocolate, soap, and candle holders with 3D printing and vacuum forming

3D mold making has been revolutionized by 3D printing and vacuum forming. This article serves as a guide to creating custom molds. Both technologies have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in the arts and crafts sector. In this article, we explain how these technologies can be used to create unique molds for chocolate, soaps, and candles, and the importance of 3D printing and vacuum forming for modern arts and crafts.

Prototyping, and especially rapid prototyping using 3D printing, plays a central role in the development and optimization of molds, as they enable rapid iterations, testing and adjustments, thus accelerating the entire development process.

We have already implemented this process in our production and can produce individual chocolate molds, soap molds, candle molds or resin molds for you according to your ideas and desired motif.

Yellow soap molds created using a vacuum former

The molds can be used again and again to continually create new products.

 

What is 3D printing?

3D printing creates three-dimensional objects from a digital file. A design is created using 3D modeling software, which is then sent to a 3D printer. Modern printers enable the precise production of objects from a variety of materials, such as plastic, resin, or metal, by building the object layer by layer. 3D printing also reduces material waste because it uses additive processes.

3D printing has gained popularity in recent years due to its versatility and ease of use. It enables the creation of highly detailed and intricate objects that would be difficult or impossible to produce using conventional manufacturing methods. Additionally, 3D printing reduces material waste because it uses additive processes rather than removing material like milling.

3D printer Graz fleet from Biocraftlab

Using 3D printers, a wide variety of objects can be created through additive manufacturing. These can serve as starting objects for vacuum formers.

How does 3D printing with mold making work?

Mold making utilizes a variety of mold-making techniques and methods to achieve precise and efficient results. These include both traditional and modern processes, such as the use of 3D printing methods with different printers and materials. The selection of the appropriate method depends on the requirements of the mold, material, and desired production volume.

Choosing the right 3D printing process is a crucial step in modern mold making. Various 3D printing processes are available, each offering different advantages for the production of 3D-printed molds. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is particularly popular for producing larger and more complex molds. Here, the material is applied layer by layer, allowing for a high degree of design flexibility. Stereolithography (SLA), in which liquid resin is precisely cured by a laser, is suitable for particularly fine and detailed molds. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), on the other hand, is ideal when robust and resilient molds made from powdered materials are required.

Choosing the right 3D printing process depends largely on the product requirements, the desired surface quality, and the type of material used. While FDM is sufficient for many prototyping and low-volume production applications, SLA and SLS offer greater accuracy and better results for complex designs. This allows the optimal process to be selected for each application and each shape to achieve the best possible results in the production of 3D printed molds.

 

3D scanning and modeling: From the idea to the digital model

The path from the initial idea to the finished 3D-printed form often begins with a 3D scan or digital modeling. Modern 3D scanning technologies allow existing objects to be digitized quickly and precisely. The 3D scan creates an exact replica of the original, which can then be further processed on the computer. For example, minor adjustments can be made or details can be optimized for later printing.

Alternatively, the digital model can be designed from scratch on the computer. Using special modeling software, individual designs are created that are precisely tailored to the requirements of the desired product. The combination of 3D scanning and modeling opens up virtually unlimited possibilities for creating molds – from faithful reproductions of the original to completely new, creative objects. Once the digital model is completed, it is ready for 3D printing and subsequent mold production.


What is vacuum forming?

Vacuum forming is a molding process for creating a negative mold of an object using heat and vacuum pressure. In this process, a plastic sheet is heated until it becomes pliable, then placed over a mold and pulled tightly over the mold using a vacuum. The plastic then cools and hardens, creating a negative mold of the object. Thermoforming is a related process in which heated plastic sheets are formed into specific geometries using special molds.

Vacuum forming is typically used in the production of packaging, such as clamshell trays and blister packs. However, it can also be used to create unique shapes for artistic purposes. Channels can be incorporated into the mold design to optimize material flow during the vacuum forming process and facilitate demolding.


Vacuum forming process

Using a vacuum former, thin plastic sheets can be pulled over objects to create negative molds.

3D printing mold materials: The right choice of material for perfect shapes

Selecting the right material is a key factor for the successful production of negative molds. Depending on the application and product requirements, a wide variety of materials are available. Plastics such as PLA or ABS are particularly versatile and ideal for 3D printing the negative mold.

Depending on the type of mold production, different materials can be used. Vacuum forming uses high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), acrylic (PMMA), ABS, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), PETG, polypropylene (PP), PVC, and HDPE. These materials allow for the production of durable molds from 3D-printed negative molds. It's important to note that PLA doesn't withstand high temperatures. It's therefore a good negative mold for PETG, but not for materials that require hotter molding. Also, don't use the same material for the negative and positive molds! This will inevitably lead to the two objects fusing together.

Special flexible plastics or even silicones are used for molds, such as silicone or rubber castings. Those requiring particularly stable and durable molds can rely on metals or engineering plastics that can withstand high loads. The choice of material influences not only the durability and flexibility of the mold, but also its surface quality and suitability for specific casting processes. Silicone is a popular material for molds because it lends itself well to custom designs and is relatively robust. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the product requirements, the type of 3D printing process, and the desired properties of the mold to achieve optimal results when producing 3D-printed molds.

 

Create unique shapes with 3D printing and vacuum forming

A unique way to utilize 3D printing and vacuum forming is to create negative molds for chocolate, soap, and candle creations. This process involves creating a 3D model of the object and then using a vacuum forming machine to create a negative mold of the object. The negative mold can then be used to design the object with chocolate, soap, or candle wax.

 

1. Design of the 3D model

The first step in creating unique shapes using 3D printing and vacuum forming is to create a 3D model of the object. This can be done using a variety of 3D modeling software, such as Tinkercad, SketchUp, or Blender.

The object then serves as a template for the vacuum forming process. In principle, connected elements can be created at different heights. Overhangs should be avoided. Valleys can be created by drilling small holes through the model during the subsequent vacuum forming process to improve the level of detail. The design should also be created with the final product in mind. The complexity and dimensions of the model have a significant influence on the selection of the appropriate mold-making method, as complex geometries and individual dimensions require special solutions. If the object is to be used for chocolate creations, for example, it should not be too complex so that it can be easily removed from the mold without breakage. If the object is to be used for soap or candle creations, the design should not have surfaces that are too thin so that it can withstand the heat and pressure of the process.


Colorful chocolates poured from chocolate mold

Geometric shapes are particularly well-suited to vacuum forming. Products like these chocolates can be further shaped even after casting and curing.

2. Printing the 3D model

Once the 3D model is created, it can be printed using a 3D printer. The printer uses the selected material to create the object layer by layer.

It's important to print with the lowest possible layer height to achieve a high level of detail in the object. The "Iron" setting can also help smooth the surface of the object. PLA can be used as a material for 3D printing. Various tools and equipment are used to create and post-process the models to optimize the surfaces and ensure a precise fit for further production.

3. Creating the negative mold

It's important to choose the right material and application for the negative mold. For example, if the object is to be used for chocolate creations, the negative mold should be made of food-safe material. If the object is to be used for soap, candle, or resin creations, the negative mold should be made of materials that can withstand the heat and pressure of the process. For particularly detailed objects, a flexible material for the negative mold can help make it easy to release the solidified final product from the mold.

Vacuum forming is a process in which a heated plastic sheet is drawn over a model using vacuum pressure to create a negative mold. This process is particularly suitable for flat or slightly curved shapes with relatively simple geometries and without strong bottom edges. Vacuum forming is ideal for the production of chocolate molds or artistic shapes with thin walls. Production is comparatively fast and cost-effective, especially for medium-sized batches.

Casting molds , on the other hand, are used to create more complex, three-dimensional shapes with fine details. A liquid material such as silicone, resin, or plastic is poured into a mold that represents the desired negative of the shape. Casting molds are particularly suitable for producing flexible, robust, and detailed shapes that can be used multiple times, such as silicone molds for soap or candles.

4. Casting the object

Once the negative mold is created, the object can be created using chocolate, soap, resin, or candle wax. The material is poured into the negative mold and left to harden. Then the mold is removed to reveal the final object.
It's important to follow the instructions for the material used to create the object. For example, if chocolate is used, it must be tempered and poured at the correct temperature to achieve a smooth and glossy finish. If soap is used, it must be melted and poured at the correct temperature to ensure it releases cleanly from the mold. When using resins, they must be stirred with the correct amounts of the respective hardener and poured very slowly to avoid air pockets.

    Casting liquid soap in negative mold

    After the material has been liquefied by heating, it can be poured directly into the negative mold.

     

    Advantages of using 3D printing and vacuum forming for custom molds

    Using 3D printing and vacuum forming to create your own molds for chocolate, soap, and candle creations offers several advantages.

    • Versatility: 3D printing and vacuum forming enable the production of highly detailed and intricate shapes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve using conventional manufacturing methods.

    • Customization: With 3D printing, each object can be customized precisely to the project's specifications, allowing for greater creativity and flexibility in the design process.

    • Efficiency: 3D printing and vacuum forming save time and resources in the development process. Once the initial design is created, it can be printed and used to create multiple negative molds for production.

    • Cost-effective: 3D printing and vacuum forming can be more cost-effective than traditional manufacturing processes, especially for small-batch production.
    • Productivity: By using 3D printing and vacuum forming, manufacturers can increase productivity by accelerating manufacturing processes and reducing lead times.

     

    Creative objects made from soap molds

    Negative molds can be used to create creative objects from soaps, chocolates, waxes or even resins.

       

      Conclusion

      In summary, 3D printing and vacuum forming are two technologies that can be used to create unique molds for chocolate, soap, candles, or resins. Various methods, such as 3D printing and traditional manufacturing techniques, are used to create and optimize the molds. The process involves creating a 3D model, printing the model, creating a negative mold through vacuum forming, and then using the negative mold to produce the final object. Prototyping and product development play a central role, enabling rapid iteration, adaptation, and the selection of suitable materials to achieve high-quality end products.

      The use of 3D printing and vacuum forming allows for greater versatility, customization, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the manufacturing process. It's a great way to add a unique touch to your chocolate, soap, or candle creations and take your projects to the next level.

      If you are looking for custom chocolate molds, soap molds, or candle molds , please feel free to contact us.

      Comments

      • Hello, ich hab vor kurzem einen individuellen Ausstecher von euch bekommen (Ratte) und schon damit herumprobiert. Jetzt würde ich gern eine ähnliche Ratte, allerdings als Gießform haben. Ich hab mein Design etwas angepasst, aber habe nur eine 2D Skizze. Es soll eine plattgedrückte Rattenfigur werden.
        Können wir das anhand einer 2D Skizze umsetzen? Und wie viel kostet sowas ungefähr? Liebst Karen

        Karen Fahle on

      • Vielen Dank für Ihre Anfrage!

        Sehr gerne melden wir uns per E-mail bei Ihnen.

        Beste Grüße,
        Nico Teuschler

        Nico Teuschler on

      • Guten tag
        Ich wollte mich Infomieren ob sie Disney gissformen herstellen können?

        Jenni on

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