In mold design, the parting surface refers to the boundary or separation line between the two halves of a mold, namely the core and cavity. The parting surface determines how the mold opens and closes, allowing for the removal of the molded part. There are several basic forms of parting surfaces commonly used in mold design:
1. Flat Parting Surface: A flat parting surface is a simple and common form where the separation line is a flat plane perpendicular to the mold opening direction. It is often used for molds with relatively simple shapes and straight parting lines.
2. Stepped Parting Surface: A stepped parting surface consists of multiple flat surfaces at different levels. It is used when the mold design requires a stepped or tiered parting line to accommodate complex part geometry.
3. Inclined Parting Surface: An inclined parting surface is angled or sloped in relation to the mold opening direction. It is used when the parting line needs to follow a specific contour or shape of the molded part. This form allows for draft angles to be incorporated into the mold design, facilitating the ejection of the part.
4. Curved Parting Surface: A curved parting surface follows a curved or contoured path along the parting line. It is used when the molded part has complex shapes or features that a flat or inclined parting surface cannot accommodate. Curved parting surfaces require more complex mold construction and may involve the use of additional mold components.
5. Combination of Parting Surfaces: In some cases, mold designs may require combinations of the above parting surface forms. This allows for greater flexibility in accommodating complex part geometry and ensuring proper mold opening and part ejection.
The choice of parting surface form depends on factors such as the part geometry, draft angles, mold complexity, and manufacturing requirements. Mold designers carefully consider these factors to determine the most suitable form for a specific mold design.