How to learn plastic molding?

Learning plastic mold design is similar to other mold designs. There is no big difference, but there are still differences in small aspects. First of all, there are several ways to learn or learn plastic mold design well. One is to participate Mold design training, the second is to learn plastic mold design by yourself, and the third is to learn from the mold master. When we learn plastic mold design, we need to learn some knowledge and software, such as drawing, hardware basics, chemical basics, etc. When we learn plastic mold design, it is best to buy a book first, and then understand it first, and then use Learn basic mold design software online, such as CAD, Pro-E, etc., and finally choose a mold design company to intern for a few months. If you try it slowly, you will not be far from success.

I see that there are many newcomers or students who want to understand the current situation and development of this industry. As an old designer who has been in this industry for 13 years, I will briefly analyze it and introduce it, hoping to gain some understanding. It will be helpful to everyone:

First of all, it is divided by position:

Processing: including mold assembly, mold trial, turning, grinding, milling, wire cutting, discharge, NC machine operation, polishing, etc. Wait (not finished).

Technology: including mold design, NC programming, product modeling

Diplomacy: following molds, orders, projects, business, procurement, etc.

Management: production supervisor, mold room supervisor, design supervisor, etc.

As for processing, I personally suggest that unless you plan to open your own processing shop or really like it, don’t make it your first choice. The wages are not high, and each position is more or less dangerous. The advantage is that the learning time is short and you can get started in a few months. Because now it is basically an assembly line operation, and the various positions are rarely compatible. It is no longer like before, where a mold master can do everything. Most of them just stay in that position. In other words, there are more technical things involved in assembling and repairing mold sets. Other positions basically require you to be able to operate machine tools and read and understand drawings. So now many people still don’t understand it after working in mold factories for three to five years. At most, I only have a little understanding of molds. Technology is basically concentrated on mold design. Another way out is to be a mold room supervisor, but to reach this position, time and ability are indispensable. Moreover, because being a mold room supervisor requires you to know everything, you basically focus on the mold assembly and mold repair groups. For other single types of work, the probability of having a mold room supervisor is very low.

Technology: Among them, mold design is the most difficult to learn. For example, injection molding: you need to learn plastic principles, injection molding principles, product design principles, all processing principles and post-processing principles, analysis and solution of mold production problems, all mold structures, assembly diagram ranking, 3D mold disassembly, and parts labeling etc. You also need to master at least two softwares, one for 2D drawing, AUTOCAD, and one for 3D drawing, UG, or PRO-E or something else. It is best to learn CAE analysis software, such as MOLDFLOW or something. (I make molds myself, and I don’t know much about other molds). Programming is relatively simple. Basically, you just need to learn the software, learn how to operate the machine, and have a clear understanding of steel and cutting tools. (But if you need to remove the mold, it’s better to know a little bit about the mold). Product modeling does not belong to molds anymore, but it is easy to learn if you are just doing modeling. Just master the software. If you want to engage in product development, there are many things to learn, not much less than mold design. However, I don’t know much about this area. I only know a little about it when some students switch to that industry. Product development is very detailed. Generally, you don’t want to change jobs once you enter one, such as developing cars, computers, air conditioners, etc. To do this well, you often need a higher education.

The way out for NC in these positions is to open Processing shop and part-time job. In terms of product styling, you have to upgrade to product research and development to find a way out, otherwise you can only make a living. If you have strong capabilities and develop well, you can earn a lot of money. For mold design, the relative salary will be higher. The key is that the demand is the largest and jobs are easy to find. As long as you are capable, you will not worry about having a job. The way out is to open a studio, become a design supervisor, and work part-time.

Even if the learning cycle is a bit long, fortunately, you can get 3000-4000 even if you learn half-way.

Diplomacy: Generally, mold following orders, following molds, etc. cannot be done from the beginning. It is best to Those who have transferred from design or processing, because to do this you still need to have a certain technical foundation, a high degree of education, and it is best to be proficient in one language. The road will be easy. In other words, this subject is suitable for those with diplomacy and language talents. It is done by qualified people. The skills are not required. Friends who like to run around and are talkative can choose.

Management: This is the final stage of each part-time job. It is difficult to get to this point in processing, but it is much easier to design. As long as you are experienced enough, have good abilities, and have not changed careers, you can reach this position. It is just a matter of whether you do it well and whether it lasts.

Relatively speaking, if you want to start a business, the best way is to engage in diplomacy. This way you can contact the most people and it is easiest to accumulate connections. The disadvantage is that the accumulation of technology is weaker. When starting a business, you need to find someone to partner with you. I personally recommend that friends who want to start a career choose a path between technology and diplomacy. Stop processing. It was a little difficult at first, but getting through the first two years was fine. How you choose to go depends on what kind of lifestyle you like.

It is easy to get started in processing, with less worries. The salary is also low. It is difficult to become a supervisor. This is the field where most people give up halfway and change careers.

Designing is relatively comfortable, and it can be very tiring when you are busy. If you have a stable temperament, you can work in a factory for many years. The income is stable.

Management is complex and involves the most personnel. It does not require good technology. Those who are good at it must know how to behave. If you are not good at it, it will be more tiring than being a soldier.

Diplomacy is tiring and there are many social activities, which may hurt your health.

Use your strengths and avoid weaknesses, and just follow the path you like. As long as you work harder and put in the effort, you can reach your destination on any road.

I am born to be useful

***Muzhi