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Thermoformed pulp molds (hot pressing)

Heated molds that form, press and dry the pulp in a single cycle.

We design and manufacture thermoformed pulp molds: the part is formed and dried under pressure inside the heated mold, giving thin walls, smooth surfaces and tight tolerances. It is the process behind premium packaging, food trays and containers, lids and fiber parts that replace single-use plastic. Final scope is defined based on geometry, material, equipment, volume, tolerances and operating conditions.

Fig. 01 · Reference mold
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More than 50 years of experience
Critical processes in-house
ISO 9001:2015
Technical validation for every project
Overview

Tooling defined by the fiber, the press and the thermal cycle.

Unlike conventional molded pulp, which dries outside the mold, here the heated male and female halves press the wet part until it is dry. That is why the design prioritizes pressure, temperature, cavity, counter-cavity and steam venting.

Problems we solve
Forming fiber parts with pressure and a thermal cycle
Designing cavity and counter-cavity
Controlling drainage and moisture removal
Aligning the mold with the press and the material
Manufacturing egg trays; trivets; trays or packaging
Variants

Types and scope.

Pressing molds

Pressure forming with cavity and counter-cavity geometry. Ideal for: Fiber parts with controlled thickness and shape.

Thermopressing molds

Pressure combined with a thermal cycle to compact, dry or finish the part. Ideal for: Products that require densification or surface finishing.

Tooling for egg trays and trays

Repeating geometries with support, separation and stacking functions. Ideal for: Food packaging and protection.

Tooling for technical packaging

Protection, positioning and containment parts adapted to the product. Ideal for: Replacing plastic or foam packaging.

Technical specification

Technical data sheet.

Process

Pressing / thermopressing of paper and natural fibers

Dimensional range

Subject to validation based on geometry, press, thermal cycle and material

Materials

Pulp or fiber for the part; aluminum or steel for the mold

Applies to / supports
Egg traysTrivetsTraysSustainable packagingDividers and containersBiodegradable partsCavity and counter-cavityPressing platesForming surfacesDrainage and moisture removalAlignment and closingDesign based on pressure and thermal cycle
Validation

Dimensional review, closing adjustment, functional geometry and surface finish

Actual capacity subject to technical validation based on geometry, weight, material, tolerances and process.

Workflow

How we work.

01
Product and material definition

We review geometry, fiber or pulp, thickness, moisture, finish and function.

02
Press and cycle survey

We validate area, closing, pressure, temperature, heating, cooling and mounting.

03
Mold design

We define cavity, counter-cavity, plates, forming surfaces, drainage and alignment.

04
Manufacturing and assembly

We machine and assemble components in aluminum, steel or a specified combination.

05
Testing and fitting

We validate closing, geometry, demolding and cycle behavior within scope.

Deliverables
Technical assessment of the requirementManufactured solution or completed work, per scopeDimensional or functional inspection defined for the projectDocumentation included in the commercial proposalRecommendations for use, maintenance or next steps, when applicable
Keep in mind

Technical considerations.

Editorial differentiation

This page targets pressing and thermopressing; the molded pulp page focuses on forming, drainage and vacuum.

Material data

Composition, moisture, additives, thickness and shrinkage determine geometry and process.

Press and thermal cycle

Pressure, temperature, time, parallelism and mounting must be documented.

Drainage

Where moisture is present, the design must allow for its removal without compromising the finish or mold strength.

What sets us apart

Why Fundimoldes?

Integrated chain

Engineering, patternmaking, casting, machining, assembly, finishing, validation and after-sales support under one operation.

Manufacturing judgment

Every proposal is backed by a review of geometry, material, process, equipment and real-world conditions.

Technical traceability

Drawings, data sheets, reports and inspections are included according to project scope.

Lifecycle support

Fundimoldes can manufacture, maintain, repair, modify and reproduce tooling components.

Quote

Information for your quote.

Minimum to quote
Description of the process or needApproximate dimensionsPart or component materialExpected quantity or volumePhotos
Recommended
2D drawing3D modelPhysical sampleYour equipment dataFunctional tolerancesSurface finishOperating conditionsRequired date

Reply within 24 business hours via WhatsApp +57 321 227 8823.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions.

What is the difference between pressing and molded pulp?+

Pressing or thermopressing prioritizes pressure and, in some cases, temperature; molded pulp usually involves forming and drainage. The actual process must be defined with you.

What products can be made?+

Egg trays, trivets, trays, packaging, dividers, containers and biodegradable parts, depending on the process.

What information do you need?+

Target product, sample or CAD, material, press, pressure, temperature, cycle, moisture, finish and expected volume.

Can the mold include heating or cooling?+

It can be evaluated based on the mold architecture, press and required cycle; it is not assumed as standard.

Related

Other fiber options and services.

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Request a technical evaluation of your mold

Share drawings, a 3D model, photos, dimensions, material, quantity and operating conditions. Our technical team will validate the manufacturing route and scope.

Request a technical evaluation of your mold WhatsApp +57 321 227 8823 · +57 601 265 8265