For a variety of do-it-yourself projects, making concrete molds out of heavy-duty plastic can be an economical and useful solution. Having the proper mold is essential to producing polished results whether you’re making stepping stones, decorative panels, or any other concrete item. The good news is that it’s not as hard as it might seem to make these molds yourself.
The durability of heavy-duty plastic makes it a great choice for molds. Heavy-duty plastic, in contrast to other materials, is able to bear the weight and pressure of the concrete without fracturing or deforming. This guarantees that, regardless of how intricate or intricate the design may be, your finished product will maintain its structural integrity and shape.
We’ll walk you through the steps of choosing and making your own concrete molds out of sturdy plastic in this article. Everything from selecting the best kind of plastic to the equipment and methods required to form and put together your molds will be covered. You’ll have the know-how and self-assurance to handle your concrete projects with ease by the time it’s through.
- Choosing high-quality molds for concrete products
- Price of forms
- High quality and application of forms
- Molds made of ABS plastic
- Master models made of heat-resistant resin for the manufacture of forms
- Vacuum molding machines
- Video on the topic
- Make molds with your own hands – we present machines for the production of molds and volumetric figures from plastic
- DIY plastic concrete molds
- DIY plastic concrete molds – anyone can do it with our machines
- How to make a concrete sculpture with your own hands – a lion, a turtle, a frog
Choosing high-quality molds for concrete products
High-quality molds are necessary when creating solid products out of artificial material. Equipment made of metal, wood, and plaster was used in the past.
- elastic;
- rigid.
- polypropylene;
- armlen;
- polyethylene;
- ABS plastic;
- PVC.
A flexible sample can be obtained by using rubber. PVC granules, silicone thermoplastic polymer resins, polyurethane, and PVC resins are utilized.
- alkali resistance;
- tensile strength;
- shrinkage rate of 0.5%.
Curbs, paving slabs, and paving stones are made from stiff grades of frost-resistant polypropylene.
Price of forms
A lot of businesses sell concrete forms made of sturdy plastic. The "Kamelot NN" company sells ABS, polypropylene, and polyurethane samples.
- Web – 1280 rubles./m².
- Well – 1280 rubles./m².
- Larnaca – 1300 rubles./m².
- Mountain slate – 2500 rubles./piece.
- Under brick – 1200 rubles./piece.
- Old brick – 1800 rubles.
- Configuration for the manufacture of fence section No. 46, cost – 1200 rubles./piece.
- Plastic type for paving stones in the form of a diamond, dimensions 296x171x45 mm, is a budget option. Price – 40 rubles. for 1 pc.
- Plastic form for the production of paving 8 bricks 400x400x40 mm, price 1 pc.- 160 rub. Minimum order – 6 pcs.
- Plastic samples for paving stones, cobblestone pavement, dimensions 300x150x40 mm, have a glossy surface, are a budget option. Cost of 1 unit. — 60 rubles.
- Configuration for creating paths in the garden, plastic formwork, dimensions 60×70 cm, price 625 rubles. Delivery — 300 rubles., Pickup is possible.
High quality and application of forms
High-quality plastic molds for concrete products are made of ABS, fiberglass, thermoplastic polyurethane, and polyurethane. The configurations are divided into common, universal, and elastic categories based on the material.
High-quality ABS plastic samples are produced with additional formwork. Polyurethane thermoplastic configurations are useful for producing small parts with better resistance against products that contain fat.
Copolymers with superior physical and chemical properties yield high-quality plastic samples for concrete.
The "Sistrom" company offers samples that are highly durable, don’t need to be specially processed, and can accurately reflect the geometric shapes of concrete structures. They produce a different surface that resembles a mirror or a rough stone by altering the texture of plastic. Cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg use plastic configurations for concrete products.
Over 500 different types of high-quality samples are produced by the company "Sistrom." Customers ask businesses to create molds based on ready-made sketches.
Molds made of ABS plastic
- A model designed for the production of paving stones, paving slabs.
- Samples with which gutter fences are produced.
Samples of road blocks, parquet flooring, steps, and facades are displayed alongside models constructed of impact-resistant thermoplastic resin. A material with high impact resistance and heavy loads that can tolerate high temperatures is used as filler.
Repeated casting is appropriate for plastic models. The Formpart company sells ABS configurations used in the making of fences and road blocks. Individual construction is done using plastic forms, which are applied during park improvement projects.
- strength;
- safety when exposed to high temperatures;
- strength in an alkaline environment and compositions containing inorganic substances;
- ability to dissolve in acetone, ether, benzene, anisole;
- stability to the influence of external environmental factors.
The Formpart company offers a large selection, high-quality products, and consultations.
Master models made of heat-resistant resin for the manufacture of forms
Vacuum molding is utilized in the production of master models valued at more than 300,000 rubles. This process creates models from ABS and PVC plastic.
- master model of Tetris tiles;
- forms Tuchka-2 and Giraffe;
- model of monument No. 19 "Cross with Crucifixion".
- vibrating tables with horizontal and vertical vibration;
- vibrating screen;
- drum separators;
- concrete mixers;
- mixers for solutions;
- block machines.
Once you are comfortable with the technology and have the necessary materials for creativity, learning how to create a form or replicate a master model is simple. With your own hands, you can create a toy or figurine. Make a sliced model by filling it with silicone and cutting it.
Copies are made from the master model; silicone captures all of the relief and any surface irregularities or bulges. Any material can be used to create the model; silicone is bonded to clay, plaster, porcelain, wax, wood, and plastic that hardens on its own.
Vacuum molding machines
Plastic is formed into volumetric configurations using a vacuum molding machine. You must be aware of the molding machine’s primary parameters in order to manufacture them. The workpiece acquires the appropriate shape during the vacuum forming process.
The item is put in a designated room. It can be found over the matrix. The primary material assumes a matrix configuration as a result of the pressure differential forcing all of the air out of it.
- for the manufacture of large products used in industry;
- machines for single-piece production;
- small-sized – for individual activities.
Machine tools can be classified as semi-automatic or automatic. Vacuum-forming equipment is made to function with acrylic, ABS, PMMA, PVC, and other materials.
- pump unit;
- fans required for cooling the product;
- electric heating elements used to create the required temperature;
- machine stand;
- frame;
- sealed box for the vacuum process;
- compressor that removes water from the chamber;
- sensors;
- regulators.
| Step | Description |
| 1. Gather Materials | Choose heavy-duty plastic sheets, a utility knife, a ruler, and strong adhesive. |
| 2. Measure and Cut | Measure the desired dimensions for your mold and cut the plastic sheets accordingly. |
| 3. Assemble the Mold | Use adhesive to join the cut pieces, ensuring they are securely attached to form a sturdy mold. |
| 4. Reinforce Edges | Apply additional adhesive along the seams to reinforce the edges and prevent leaks. |
| 5. Let It Cure | Allow the adhesive to fully cure before using the mold for concrete pouring. |
| 6. Test the Mold | Conduct a test with a small amount of concrete to ensure the mold holds its shape and does not leak. |
Making your own concrete molds out of sturdy plastic can be a fun and economical project. With the right techniques and supplies, you can create molds that are long-lasting and reusable, tailored to your own requirements.
It’s important to select the proper kind of heavy-duty plastic. Make sure it is both flexible enough to release the finished product without breaking it and strong enough to endure the pressure of the concrete. Choose plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene that are renowned for their strength and longevity.
Be mindful of the dimensions and design when creating your molds. Your molds will yield precise and homogeneous pieces of concrete if you take precise measurements and use meticulous planning. Use tools that aid in producing precise cuts and smooth edges, and take your time when creating detailed templates.
Your molds will live longer if you take care of them and store them properly. To avoid damage, give them a thorough cleaning after every use and keep them somewhere cool and dry. Your heavy-duty plastic molds can be reused several times with proper care, increasing the productivity and economy of your concrete projects.
Making your own molds gives you the freedom to design unique sizes and shapes that meet your needs precisely. In addition to saving costs, this hands-on method enhances creativity and gives you more control over your concrete projects.
Making concrete molds out of heavy-duty plastic is an economical and practical way to form your concrete projects. You can create long-lasting molds that are customized to your exact specifications with a few basic tools and materials, whether they are for decorative garden stones, useful building blocks, or distinctive architectural elements. With the help of this guide, you can ensure that even when using do-it-yourself methods, the results will be professional.
