Why Mold Design Is Critical to Custom Silicone Product Quality

A client called us last month asking the same question we hear at least twice a week: what actually goes into why mold design is critical to custom silicone product quality? It is a fair question. The answer is more nuanced than most suppliers will tell you.

Draft angles exist for a reason. Silicone is flexible, so you can get away with less draft than with plastic, but zero draft will still cause tearing and stretching during demolding. We recommend at least 1 degree per side, more for deep parts.

CNC and EDM are both used in mold making, and they do different jobs. CNC is faster for large, flat surfaces. EDM is needed for sharp internal corners and details that a cutting tool cannot reach. A good mold shop uses both, not just one.

Surface texture on a mold transfers directly to the product. A polished mold gives a glossy finish. A spark-eroded surface gives a matte texture. Clients often ask for a specific feel without realizing it all starts with the mold surface treatment. We provide sample chips so you can feel the difference before committing.

There is no substitute for experience in this business. We have made enough mistakes over the years to know what to watch for, and we pass that knowledge on to every client. Lemeng Silicone offers full OEM and ODM services with the kind of quality control that gives you confidence in every shipment.