candle mould

For B2B sourcing, Silicone and Polycarbonate are the industry standards. Food-grade silicone (RTV-2) is preferred for intricate 3D designs due to its high flexibility and heat resistance (up to 230°C), allowing for easy demoulding without breaking the candle. Polycarbonate (PC) is ideal for pillar candles as it produces a high-gloss finish and is extremely durable for high-volume production.

Compatibility depends on the mould's chemical resistance. Silicone moulds are versatile and work well with soy, beeswax, and paraffin. However, if your clients use high-fragrance oils, ensure the silicone is platinum-cured to prevent the mould from degrading or 'sweating' over time. For stearin-heavy waxes, metal or high-grade plastic moulds are recommended to prevent surface pitting.

If the candles are intended for home use or aromatherapy, the moulds must meet LFGB (Germany/EU) or FDA (USA) standards for chemical safety, ensuring no toxic phthalates leach into the wax. Additionally, verify REACH compliance for European imports to guarantee the absence of restricted hazardous substances in the raw silicone or plastic materials.

Look for moulds with integrated wick holes and self-centering mechanisms to reduce manual labor. For large-scale operations, prioritize multi-cavity moulds with a reinforced outer frame to prevent deformation during the cooling process, ensuring consistent dimensions across thousands of units.

Request a durometer test report to confirm the silicone hardness (typically Shore A 15-25 for candle moulds). Before bulk shipping, use Made-in-China.com's inspection services to verify that the moulds do not have air bubbles or 'flashing' (excess material), which can ruin the candle's surface finish.

Focus on mould lifespan (cycles) rather than just unit price. A mould that lasts 2,000 pours is more cost-effective than a cheaper one that fails after 500. Negotiate for custom logo engraving on the base of the mould for brand exclusivity, and ask for tiered pricing where the cost of the custom steel master-mould is rebated after a certain volume of silicone units is purchased.

Silicone is heavy and can be compressed. Ensure the supplier uses rigid inner boxes to prevent the moulds from losing their shape during long-term sea freight. For Polycarbonate moulds, specify anti-scratch protective filming and shock-absorbent packaging to prevent cracking or surface scuffing during transit.

Always utilize Secured Trading Services on Made-in-China.com to protect your payment. Do not release the final 70% balance until a third-party pre-shipment inspection confirms that the dimensions and material elasticity match the approved gold sample.