What is the typical mold development cycle for UHPC shaped components?

The mold development cycle for UHPC shaped components is a variable influenced by multiple factors such as "shape complexity, mold material, size scale, and processing technique", typically ranging from 15 to 45 days. Leveraging its mature mold design library, advanced CNC machining centers, and standardized processes, Qinglong Group can keep the cycle for conventional single-curved panel molds within 15-20 days, while moderately complex double-curved or shallow-relief molds require 25-30 days, and highly challenging deep-relief, highly openwork, or oversized irregular molds may take 35-45 days. In the translucent UHPC project at Century Plaza on Nanjing East Road, Shanghai New World, a special polyurethane-silicone composite mold developed to replicate natural wood grain took 40 days for its entire development cycle due to extremely high detail requirements, ultimately perfectly realizing the design intent.

Mold design and process planning are the starting point of the cycle, accounting for approximately 5-7 days. This stage does not start from scratch; Qinglong's mold engineers draw on an extensive mold node library to carry out targeted design based on the demolding angle, shrinkage rate, and parting line position of the UHPC component. For complex shapes, demolding simulation analysis is required to avoid "undercut" areas. Meanwhile, the mold base material (such as steel, aluminum, GRP, or silicone) and the machining strategy are determined. Scientific design can fundamentally prevent major rework in subsequent manufacturing and is key to controlling the total cycle.

CNC precision machining is the core step that takes the longest time, accounting for approximately 10-25 days. The mold cavity is typically carved from steel or aluminum billets by five-axis CNC machines. Machining time is directly proportional to mold size and surface complexity. A simple flat-panel mold may take only a few hours, while finishing a double-curved mold of 10 square meters covered with intricate relief carvings may take more than a week. Qinglong owns multiple large five-axis CNC machines that can operate in parallel, effectively shortening delivery times for large batches of molds.

Mold surface treatment and assembly commissioning are the critical finishing steps to ensure quality, accounting for approximately 3-5 days. The machined mold cavity requires multiple rounds of grinding and polishing to achieve the surface finish required for UHPC components (glossy, matte, or textured). For combined molds, trial assembly is required to check the fitting precision between modules. Finally, a release agent is applied to the mold surface. A high-quality mold guarantees the precise forming of UHPC components, and its development cycle is a worthwhile investment to achieve the best final results and more stable production efficiency.