DuBois and Pribble’s Plastics Mold Engineering Handbook

Book excerpt: From day one of the concept of this book (about 1941), our objective has been to make the elearest possible statements about the thinking processes which go into the good design of a mold. CarefuHy chosen illustrations show the rational process. Recommendations are made to maximize the effectiveness. Basically, the design of a mold is only one-third of the team effort in producing a particular plastic part. The best molder in the world will be handicapped by a badly designed or a badly made mold. The best mold maker in the world cannot make a good mold from a bad design. The best design in the world will only be the best when the mold is weH made and operated by a knowledgeable molder. Being right the first time is, or should be, the prime objective of any mold designer. In the 1930's and 40's, it seemed every mold was an "invention. " A 1500 ton compression press was a "monster. " There were few design guidelines except the expertise of those toolmakers who had to use my designs. Fortunately for me, when a problem arose, my immediate mentor simply said, "Wayne, you designed it-go take care of the problem. " The comments of those toolmakers were not always complimentary.