Mould for soft bait

For professional production, you should prioritize Aluminum 6061-T6 or 7075 for CNC-machined moulds due to their superior heat dissipation and durability. While silicone or stone powder moulds are cheaper, CNC aluminum moulds provide the high-gloss finish and precise tolerances (±0.02mm) required for commercial-grade lures. Ensure the mould surface is polished or sandblasted depending on whether you want a shiny or matte bait texture.

Focus on the venting system and injection port (sprue) design. A high-quality mould must have micro-vents to prevent air pockets and 'short shots.' For multi-cavity moulds, ensure balanced runners so that each cavity fills at the same pressure. If you are producing multi-color baits, verify if the supplier offers laminate plates or dual-injection compatibility to ensure clean color separation.

While the mould itself is a mechanical tool, the resulting baits must often comply with environmental regulations. Ensure the mould design allows for the use of Phthalate-free PVC or TPE materials. For the European market, ensure the supplier provides documentation that the metals used do not contain restricted substances under REACH. If the mould is part of an automated line, it should meet CE machinery safety standards.

Calculate the Cost Per Cavity. While a 10-cavity mould has a higher upfront cost than a 2-cavity mould, the production efficiency and lower labor cost per unit make it more viable for scaling. Request a mould life guarantee (e.g., 500,000+ injections) to amortize the investment. For new designs, always start with a single-cavity prototype mould before investing in high-volume multi-cavity tooling.

Before sharing CAD files, insist on a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Choose reputable manufacturers on Made-in-China.com who have a history of working with international brands. Consider splitting the production: have the core cavities machined by one specialist and the outer bolster or frame by another to prevent full design leakage.

The biggest risk is dimensional inaccuracy or poor surface finish that doesn't match the sample. To mitigate this, use Trade Assurance services and mandate a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI). Request a video of a 'dry run' or sample injection using your specified plastisol hardness (Durometer) before the final balance payment is made.

Moulds are dense and heavy. For orders exceeding 100kg, Sea Freight (LCL) is the most cost-effective, though it takes 30-45 days. If you need to start production urgently, Air Freight is possible but expensive. Ensure the supplier uses vacuum-sealed anti-rust packaging and fumigated wooden crates to prevent corrosion during humid sea transit.

Clearly define the 'Mould Correction' terms in your contract. Professional suppliers should offer 2-3 free modifications if the T1 (first trial) samples do not meet the agreed-upon specifications. Ensure you agree on who covers the shipping costs for samples during the debugging phase to avoid unexpected expenses.