Crate Mould Design

Crate Mould Design

Cratemould design refers to the specialized engineering process of developing moulds used in plastic injection moulding machines for producing crates. These crates are widely used in storage, logistics, agriculture, dairy, and industrial packaging. The design involves advanced 3D CAD modeling, material flow analysis, cooling channel design, parting line optimization, and ejection systems to ensure high strength, minimal cycle time, and consistent dimensional accuracy.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Crate Mould Design

What is a crate mould used for?
Crate moulds are used in plastic injection moulding machines to produce crates for industries like logistics, dairy, fruits & vegetables, and retail.
What materials are used to make crate moulds?
High-grade tool steels such as P20, H13, S136, or 2316 are commonly used for durability and heat resistance.
What types of crates can be produced with these moulds?
Milk crates, vegetable crates, industrial storage bins, foldable crates, and export packaging crates.
What is the typical lead time for crate mould design and manufacturing?
Between 30â€“60 days, depending on complexity and features.
Can crate moulds be customized for branding?
Yes, moulds can include logos, engravings, and handle styles as per customer requirements.
What is the average mould life?
A well-maintained crate mould can last up to 1 million shots or more.
Are hot runner systems used in crate moulds?
Yes, hot runners improve flow, reduce material waste, and optimize cycle time.
Is the crate mould suitable for high-speed production?
Yes, with automated ejection and optimized cooling, these moulds are ideal for mass production.
What CAD software is used in crate mould design?
Software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, UG-NX, CATIA, and Moldflow is commonly used.
Can collapsible core or slider mechanisms be included?
Yes, collapsible cores, side sliders, and lifters are often used for complex crate geometries.

Applications of Crate Moulds Design

Dairy Industry (milk crates)
Agriculture (fruit, vegetable & grain crates)
Logistics & Warehousing (stackable storage crates)
Fisheries (ice and fish crates)
Retail & Supermarkets (display crates)
Export Packaging (nestable crates)
Automotive Industry (component handling bins)
Chemical & Pharma (transport bins)
E-commerce & Distribution centers
Recycling & Waste Management (reusable crates)

Benefits of Crate Mould Design

High Precision & Consistency â€“ Ensures uniform product dimensions across batches.
Optimized Cooling Channels â€“ Shortens cycle time and improves surface finish.
Durability & Long Life â€“ Made from hardened tool steel for high shot life.
Custom Branding Options â€“ Company logos or part numbers can be molded in.
Fast Production Rate â€“ Suitable for high-volume crate manufacturing.
Low Material Waste â€“ Efficient gating systems reduce plastic loss.
Support for Automation â€“ Compatible with robotic ejection and stacking systems.
Lightweight Crate Designs â€“ Enables the production of strong yet light crates.
Corrosion-Resistant Coatings â€“ Moulds are treated to resist wear and corrosion.
Reduced Downtime â€“ Modular components simplify maintenance and repairs.