subject: Preparing for a Job in Injection Mold Designing [print this page] Preparing for a Job in Injection Mold Designing
Innovation is the key in being an injection mold designer. If you cannot design from scratch, at least make the effort to innovate the old designs. You should be flexible in your thoughts and you should be willing to embrace new technologies. For this reason, the younger generation is better encouraged to take on the job. Older generation tend to be stiff in their beliefs while the younger ones are more open to new ideas and changes.
There are CAD programs that you can use to draw out your designs. However, the designs themselves cannot be taught by anyone. It should come from the imagination and creativity of the mold designer. The CAD programs are mere tools you can use after you already formed the design in your mind.
Take note that mold designers and mold makers are two different job positions. Mold designers create the design while it is the job of the mold makers to create the actual mold. Both of them work closely with each other, though. The mold designer has the advantage in terms of working hours for the mold maker usually has longer work schedule.
Before, hand drawing is necessary to conceptualize the design of the mold. Today, tooling and molding design makes use of high tech programs that makes the job easier. Some examples of such programs are MasterCam, SolidWorks, AutoCad and Unigraphics. With these programs, you can be as detailed in the design as you want to be.
If you are into PCB design layout and you want to be a mold designer, you can climb up the ladder by being a mold maker first. Another way is to earn qualification from a university or college institution. Both approaches are viable and common so just choose the path that will be most applicable to you.
Tooling and molding design stems from years of experience. Those who already worked as mold makers have the knowledge and experience to create innovative designs than those who got qualified through universities and colleges. If you want to expand your knowledge more, you can learn other areas such as physics, visualization of 3D concepts and mechanics.
