Increase creativity with low-cost, non-stick moulds
Non-stick moulds for bakers are currently made by deep drawing. Here a metal blank is radially drawn into a forming die by the mechanical action of a punch. Once made the mould must be transferred to another site to receive its non-stick coating.
This method of production is only cost efficient if significant numbers of the moulds are made.
However, this may all change enabling small and medium-sized baking businesses to cost-effectively commission their own extravagant moulds.
A University of Cordoba Belmez Polytechnic School research group has developed a system that manufactures non-stick food moulds at a low cost at a machining centre. Their method makes moulds from metal sheets covered with non-stick coating. Though this process is slower, it is more affordable and easy to use.
A rounded tip punch is used to gradually shape a metal sheet covered in Teflon and a PVC sheet. The PVC sheet protects the non-stick coating so it is not damaged during shaping. The path of the punch is directed by a computer that determines the precise movements it makes.
The moulds are totally functional with the necessary shape and properties suited to demoulding and proper cleaning.
Food industry companies will be able to use this technique to manufacture small batches of non-stick moulds in a cheaper and faster way.
The Manufacturing Department at the university had the support of the University of Cordoba’s Internal Research Plan and collaborated with Tecnimacor, a company specialising in the application of non-stick coatings.
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