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Female Mold Types Print E-mail

Female molds are the mold shape that forms the underside or backside of a cast polymer product.  When properly positioned with the male mold, it creates the cavity into which the matrix is cast.  Bowl molds can be used with different types of “females” as described below.  The female molds is sometimes referred to as a “female hat” because of the way it is positioned over the top of the male mold during casting.

NOTE WHEN ORDERING A FEMALE HAT FOR A FLOATING OR MODULAR BOWL MOLD, REFER TO THE SPECIFIC BOWL MODEL FOR THE CORRECT FEMALE HAT FOR THAT BOWL. ORDER BY CATALOG NUMBER AND MOLD DESCRIPTION. 

WHEN ORDERING A MOLD, BE SURE TO ORDER THE FEMALE AS A SEPARATE ITEM, AS THE FEMALE IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY INCLUDED WITH THE MALE MOLD ORDER.

Floating Fiberglass Female Molds

Floating Fiberglass Female molds are available for Gruber Floating Bowl Molds. Fiberglass female hats are constructed of fiberglass similar to the male mold construction.  The fiberglass female hats are the most dimensionally stable and result in a uniform wall thickness, and are durable and excellent reusability.  Their use produces a smooth surface on the underside of the bowl.  In addition, these female molds include a generous fiberglass flange around the hat to enable it to rest solidly on the first pour matrix. The fiberglass female must be clamped or weighted down in order to complete casting the product.

Floating fiberglass molds are often referred to by these acronyms:

  • FFF - Full Cover Fiberglass Female Molds

  • Challenger - Floating Fiberglass Female (Challenger type)

Full Cover Fiberglass Female Molds

Full Cover Fiberglass Female Molds are designed to match the overall size of the modular vanity with which it is used.  They are available in 3 types:

  • FFO (Full Fiberglass Female) - Flange Out yields a finished part with a nominal ¾” (1.9 cm) thickness both in the deck and bowl sides.

  • FFL (Fiberglass Female Lightweight) - Fiberglass Female molds that yields a part with a ½” (1.3 cm) thickness over most of the deck area and a ¾” (1.9 cm) thick bowl.

  • ULFF (Ultra Lightweight Fiberglass Female) - A ULFF yields a part with a ½” (1.3 cm) thickness over most of the deck area and a ¾” (1.9 cm) thick bowl.


Permanent Hats

Permanent Hats become a permanent part of the marble product, providing a finished underside which requires very little, if any, additional finishing.  The hat is set in place on the un-gelled first cast immediately following vibration.  Gently depress the step-down part of the flange into the matrix just enough too barely cover it.  When the first cast of matrix has gelled and cooled, the second cast (backpour) can be made.  The permanent hats are available in a white or clear plastic, and with a choice of including an overflow, or no overflow. Gruber part numbers beginning with PH are permanent hats.

Reusable Hats

Fabricated of high-density polyethylene, a reusable hat will provide many trouble free castings if reasonable care is exercised in its use and storage.  A reusable hat is applied to the mold after the initial pour of the matrix has been vibrated.  It is placed over the bowl and the rim of the hat is gently pressed into the un-gelled matrix.  A generous 2” flange is provided around the perimeter of the hat to allow for maximum adhesion of the hat to the matrix.  Reusable hats are also available with an “untrimmed” flange around the perimeter.

Reusable Hats are often referred to by these acronyms:

  • Reusable Female Hat (Trimmed) - referred to as RH

  • Reusable Female Hat (Untrimmed) - referred to as UNTRM-RH
 
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