TechForm offers several options for mold-making of jewelry designs:
Standard Vulcanized Rubber
These molds are a jewelry standard and can only be used with metal masters. They allow for moderate dimensional precision and are injected with wax. We offer a low-shrink and a no-shrink option depending on your needs. Vulcanized rubber molds have a long shelf life.
Room Temperature Vulcanized Silicon
These molds are the best choice for wax masters. They allow for moderate dimensional precision with a high level of detail reproduction when they are injected with wax. R.T.V. molds have a good shelf life, but shorter than a standard vulcanized Rubber mold, especially on complex designs.
Metal
Metal molds are appropriate for products that require high quantities and increased dimensional precision. Metal molds are typically injected with a polycarbonate or polystyrene plastic that is dimensionally stable and resistant to breakage. The surface finish is superior to rubber and silicone molds and detail comes out very crisp due to the high pressure used in injecting metal molds.
Shrinkage Calculation
When creating product from rubber molds it is very important to factor in shrinkage rates. Every design will behave differently based upon wall thickness and overall size. Please contact us if you require an evaluation of expected shrinkage rates from CAD file to casting.