FAQs - Mold Bases and Plates
Where can I find information on Metric mold bases and plates?
A: All information regarding metric mold bases and plates can be found on the DME Europe website, located at http://www.dmeeu.com . Metric plates are not offered as standard in North America, however can be ordered special for you if you require metric mold bases or plates. There may be a premium charge in the special order. Contact DME Customer Service for more information regarding metric mold bases or metric plates.
For Metric mold bases, how are the mold bases shipped?
A: All metric mold bases are shipped DISSASSEMBLED. This is normal practice in Europe. If you order a complete metric mold base from DME, you or your mold maker are expected to assemble the complete mold base when you receive the shipment.
What is the difference between a “US Standard” Mold Base, Mold Basics, Select Base and Edge Base?
A: US Standard mold bases by DME refers to the primary DME mold base offering in the USA and Canada. This standard was developed by DME in the late 1940’s and has been an industry standard for over 60 years. Today, this includes A-Series, B-Series, X-Series, AX-Series, and T-Series, which may vary in the number of plates used but for the most part, component positions in the X- and Y-axis directions are positioned in the same locations. For this reason, only the A-series plan views are detailed in the DME Mold Bases and Plates catalog.
Mold Basics, Select Base and Edge Base are modeled after the US Standard A-Series mold base, with some variations. Mold Basics was offered by DME as an economical form of the A-Series with some reduced or simplified features (although the Mold Basics mold base would be produced with the same exacting standards and quality as a US Standard A-Series mold base). For example, a Mold Basics mold base would not be shipped with finished ground parting line surfaces, and the mold maker would be expected to finish-grind the parting line surfaces. Mold Basics is no longer promoted by DME, as the Edge Base is intended to replace the Mold Basics product line. However, if you wish to order a “Mold Basics” mold base, this can be accommodated as a special.
Select Base was offered not as a specific standard, but as an ordering method in which a customer could select different or special features. Like Mold Basics, Select Base is no longer promoted, however if you desire a Select Base then DME can accommodate as a special. DME will review all special mold base requests and if feasible will quote accordingly. It is important to note the difference between Select Base and QDS mold bases by DME. QDS refers to reduced lead times, while Select base refers to ordering special features.
The Edge Mold Base is a unique standard offering, modeled after the US Standard A-series. However some of the features are in different positions versus DME A-Series. Please refer to the appropriate pages in the DME Mold Bases and Plates catalog for details specific to the Edge Mold Base.
I can find DME CAD files online for DME US Standard A-Series and B-Series Mold bases, Mold Basics Mold Base and Edge Mold Base. However I cannot find CAD files for the DME X-Series, AX-Series, T-Series, nor for any of the Shuttle Mold Bases offered by DME. Is such CAD data available for download?
A: At this time, no CAD data is available for download for the X-Series, AX-Series, T-Series, or Shuttle Mold bases offered by DME.
For additional information regarding inch-type DME Mold Bases Plates, please refer to the DME Mold Bases and Plates Catalog. For other concerns regarding inch-type DME Mold Bases and Plates, please contact us by visiting our website at http://www.dme.net, or contact your regional DME sales representative. Information regarding metric mold bases and mold plates can be found via the DME Europe website located at http://www.dmeeu.com. In the USA or Canada only, please contact DME Customer Service by visiting our website at http://www.dme.net, or call 800-626-6653 (U.S.) or 800-387-6000 (Canada). You will then be put in contact with an estimator from our Mold Base manufacturing plant
