On Feb 28, 11:34 pm, Mark Thorson > wrote:
> What material and thickness is used for making plastic
> chocolate molds? They appear to be vacuum formed from
> sheet. Are there any special requirements for the
> vacuum forming machine (above the usual considerations
> for a vacuum formed product)? Any recommendations
> for a good machine to use for low volume production?

The material is food grade PET plastic. (that's P, E, T, not "pet")
You can buy it in many different thicknesses and the results will
make a very rigid mold which will last a long time. The thickness
should be 50 or 60 mm for ideal molds.

The flimsy molds found on eBay, etc. are simply made by companies
that are trying to save money by using thin versions of the
plastic.

For a vacuum forming machine, search eBay with "vacuum forming".
There is a $645 unit that should make molds up to 12" x 18" or so.
That's very cheap as vacuum formers go.

For small molds, look at a dental vacuum former. It will make a
mold about 5" by 5" These units sell for $150-$200 (don't buy
the over-priced ones).

Good luck.