Matters needing attention for the transportation of injection molds

The transportation of injection molds is a crucial link, as it connects mold manufacturing with production and usage. Molds are precise, expensive and heavy assets. Any negligence during transportation may lead to irreparable losses and seriously affect the project progress.

The following are the key points to note during the transportation of injection molds, which are divided into four stages: before transportation, packaging, loading and unloading, during transportation, and after arrival.

I. Preparations Before Transportation

Comprehensive mold status confirmation

Cleaning and rust prevention: This is the most crucial step. All parts of the mold, including the surface, cavity and runner, must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure there is no oil, moisture or residual plastic.

Spray anti-rust agent: Evenly spray a layer of highly efficient anti-rust agent on all steel surfaces (especially on precision parts such as cavities, sliders, and ejector pins). This is of vital importance for long-distance sea transportation or in damp environments.

Reset and protection: Keep the mold in the closed state and support it between the moving and fixed molds with wooden boards or soft material blocks to prevent accidental opening due to vibration during transportation and damage to the parting surface. Return all the sliders, inclined tops and other moving parts to their original positions and tighten them to prevent them from shaking or colliding.

Accessory management: Wrap the small parts of the mold such as water pipe joints, hot runner plugs, detachable inserts, spare ejector pins/screws, etc. in oiled paper, place them in special boxes or fix them on the mold frame, and attach a list. Prevent loss or confusion.

Document preparation

Mold Resume: Attach a document with the mold, indicating the mold number, name, total weight, external dimensions, position of the mold lifting hole, special precautions, etc.

Photo archiving: Take photos of all angles of the mold, especially the vulnerable parts, before shipment and keep them as evidence of the condition before transportation.

Ii. Professional Packaging Solutions

Packaging is the core for protecting molds.

Inner packaging

Waterproof and moisture-proof: First, wrap the entire mold with waterproof plastic film or VCI anti-rust paper. VCI paper will slowly release anti-rust gas, creating a protective environment inside the packaging.

Buffering protection: Wrap bubble wrap or install plastic/rubber protective sleeves around the sharp corners and protruding parts of the mold (such as guide pins, cylinder joints).

Outer packaging

Customized wooden crates: This is the safest and most recommended method. Wooden crates must be made of solid wood or composite boards that are strong and dry.

Internal fixation: The mold must never be shaken directly inside the wooden box. The hanging mold holes or the bottom of the mold must be fixed to the sliding wooden blocks or sleepers at the bottom of the box using log bolts or special fixtures. The mold and the box board should be tightly stuffed with materials such as foam board and wooden wedges to ensure that the mold cannot move in any direction inside the box.

Moisture-proof measures: Place desiccant bags inside the wooden box.

Clear marking: Clearly mark on the outside of the wooden box:

Center of gravity point and lifting point markers.

Arrow upwards to prevent toppling.

Warning signs such as "Rainproof", "moisture-proof", "fragile" and "Do not press".

Mold information (number, recipient/shipper information, total weight, size).

Fumigation treatment: If international sea transportation is involved, wooden packaging boxes must undergo fumigation treatment certified by IPPC and have the IPPC mark affixed to the wooden boxes; otherwise, they may be refused entry or required to be destroyed at the destination port.

Iii. Key Points in Loading, Unloading and Transportation Processes

Professional loading and unloading

Professional equipment such as cranes and forklifts must be used, and the operators should be highly experienced.

When hoisting, the hook must be connected to the hoisting hole of the mold itself. It is strictly prohibited to put the hoisting rope over non-load-bearing components such as guide pins and oil pipes.

When forklifts are used for handling, the forks should be smoothly inserted into the forklift slot at the bottom of the mold frame, and then slowly raised, lowered and moved.

Mode of transportation selection

Select the appropriate vehicle (such as flatbed truck, wing truck, container) based on the size and weight of the mold.

Make sure the vehicle floor is flat, solid and has sufficient fixing points.

After the mold is installed on the vehicle, it must be reinforced again with tools such as straps and chains to prevent it from sliding or overturning during transportation.

Transportation monitoring

For high-value molds, GPS trackers can be considered to monitor their location and transportation status in real time.

Choose a reputable logistics company and purchase adequate transportation insurance to deal with possible accidents.

Four. After reaching the destination

On-site acceptance

The consignee should immediately inspect the outer packaging for any severe damage, deformation, water stains or other abnormal conditions when the driver is present. If any, photos should be taken immediately and the consignor and logistics company should be contacted to confirm together.

Unpacking inspection

Open the box in a safe and clean environment.

Check the mold body and accessories for any dents, rust, damage or missing items by referring to the photos and list before shipment.

Only after checking for accuracy can you sign for receipt.

Summary list of key points to note

Rust prevention comes first: Thoroughly clean and spray rust inhibitor.

Fixation comes second: The mold should be supported inside the mold, pressed tightly in the box, and securely fastened on the vehicle.

Packaging should be professional: Custom wooden crates are preferred, with internal filling and fixation.

The signs should be clear: signs such as center of gravity, lifting points, moisture-proof, and fragile are indispensable.

The operation should be standardized: Use professional equipment and personnel for loading and unloading.

Risk transfer: Purchase transportation insurance.

Acceptance should be timely: conduct on-site inspections and collect evidence immediately if any problems are found.

By following the above process, you can ensure to the greatest extent that your high-value injection molds arrive at the destination safely and intact and can be smoothly put into production.