Overview
This bespoke H13 tool steel mold is engineered for high-precision production of household cross-slit silicone ketchup valves using cold-runner transfer and compression molding processes. Built for repeatable dimensional control and long service life, the tool is optimized for molding high-viscosity silicone and TPE compounds that form cross-slit dispensing seals. The design supports single- or multi-cavity layouts, precision venting for clean slit edges, integrated temperature control, and robust ejector/part-handling solutions. Full OEM and one-stop services are available—from DFM and prototyping to tryout, validation, and production handover.
Key Specifications
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Place of Origin | Xiamen, China |
| Mold Steel (core/cavity) | H13 tool steel (precision hardened inserts) |
| Mold Base | Standard Profi or custom P20 base optional |
| Suitable Processes | Cold-runner transfer molding / compression molding (optimized for high-viscosity silicone & TPE) |
| Runner System | Cold runner (transfer gates) — valve/pinch gating options available |
| Cavity Count | Configurable: single to multi-cavity (customer spec) |
| Estimated Mold Life | 300,000 – 800,000 shots (process & maintenance dependent) |
| Dimensional Tolerance | ±0.02 mm (typical for critical sealing features) |
| Surface Finish | Polished sealing faces Ra ≤ 0.2 µm; textured options available |
| Temperature Control | Integrated oil/water cooling channels; heater cartridge ports for cure control |
| Venting | Micro-venting and vacuum provisions for burr-free slit edges |
| Ejection | Precision ejector pins / stripper plates designed for soft silicone parts |
| Tooling Software | UG, Creo/PROE, SolidWorks, AutoCAD |
| Lead Time | Tooling: 25–35 business days (dependent on complexity) |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, IATF 16949 (manufacturing facility) |
Manufacturing & Tooling Process
- DFM & 3D CAD — Part and mold design for manufacturability using UG/Creo or SolidWorks; optimize cavity layout, gating, and venting specifically for cross-slit geometry.
- CNC Machining — High-precision 3/4/5-axis CNC roughing and finish milling to form gross geometry and cooling channels.
- EDM / Wire-EDM — Mirror EDM and slow-speed wire cutting for intricate slit profiles, undercuts, and fine features critical to leak-free slits.
- Heat Treatment — Harden and temper H13 inserts to specified hardness; stabilize dimensions post-treatment.
- Polishing & Texturing — Micro-polish sealing faces to achieve low-Ra finishes for leak integrity; apply controlled texture where requested.
- Assembly & Integration — Install temperature manifolds, cold-runner transfer components, ejectors, and sensor ports; balance gating for consistent fill.
- Trial & Validation — Onsite tryout using compression/transfer molding lines; process tuning, T0 sample approval, leak and functional testing.
- Handover Documentation — Provide mold maintenance plan, SPC/FAI reports, and production parameter sheets.
Surface Treatment Options
- Electroless Nickel Plating — Uniform wear and corrosion protection for complex cavities.
- Hard Chrome Plating — Improved release and extended life for high-wear faces.
- Precision Polishing (Mirror / Satin) — For critical sealing surfaces and part release.
- Laser Texturing — Controlled texture for non-sealing aesthetics or grip features.
Quality Assurance & Validation
Tool and part validation are executed under our ISO-certified quality system. Mold and first-article gaskets are inspected using coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and 3D optical projectors for critical dimensions. Sealing faces are checked with profilometers for surface roughness; inserts undergo Rockwell/Vickers hardness testing after heat treatment. Mold trials include process stability runs on LSR injection presses and compression molding presses, inverted leak/seal integrity tests, slit edge visual inspection under vision systems, and thermal-cure validation to confirm consistent silicone vulcanization. Full FAI documentation, SPC plans, and maintenance schedules are delivered with each tool; third-party FDA/LFGB material verification can be arranged upon request.
Factory Capabilities & Services
Our tool shop is equipped with advanced CNC centers, Mirror EDM, conventional EDM, and slow-speed wire-cut machines for precision mold fabrication. We run dedicated compression/transfer molding lines and maintain tooling tryout stations to validate molds under production conditions. Additional services include prototyping, mold repair & maintenance, batch validation, and turnkey OEM production transfer. All work is performed in an ISO 9001 / IATF 16949-compliant environment with experienced tooling engineers supporting rapid DFM feedback and competitive lead times.
If you need optimized cold-runner tooling for high-quality cross-slit silicone valves—single or multi-cavity—our engineering team can produce detailed DFM, prototype samples, and a production plan tailored to your valve geometry and volume targets. Contact us to begin the tooling quote and prototype schedule.
