📌 Why Mold Changes Are Necessary
Mold changes are essential for:
- Cup Size Changeovers – Adjustments made to offer a range of cup sizes based on customer demand.
- Custom Designs – Created to meet specific branding needs or unique customer requests.
- Maintenance – To replace damaged molds and ensure consistent cup quality.
✅ Pre-Change Checklist
Before initiating a mold change, perform the following checks:
1. Mothermold Base Plate – Inspect for proper alignment and condition.
2. Paper Blank Holder – Ensure the stand is correctly aligned and secure positioning.
3. Component Removal – Detach:
- Curling plate
- Knurling bowl & tool
- Heater folding plate
- Cutter set
- Existing mold set (typically 8 pieces or 10 pieces)
Installing the New Paper Cup Machine Mold 🔧
1. Cutter Set – Correct installation and alignment are essential for precise functioning.
2. Mold Components – Start with a single mold piece for initial setup.
3. Knurling and Curling Components – Assemble sequentially following the installation of the initial mold.
4. Other Molds – Install the remaining 7 molds and adjust alignment carefully.
5. Robot & Cone Assembly – Ensure smooth functionality and correct alignment of the cone.
6. Glass Collector Check – Confirm alignment with new mold setup.
Validation Before Production 🧩
🔍 Paper & Blank Alignment
- First, confirm that the paper stand and blanks are compatible with the specifications of the new mold.
🧱 Mother mold & Butterfly Check
- Must be compatible with blank size and shape.
- The paper should wrap securely around the mold. Additionally, maintain at least 3 mm of sidewall sealing.
🧵 Cone Shaft & Robot Validation
- Next, check the taper, diameter, and length.
- Additionally, inspect the cone-paper fit on the robot arm to guarantee smooth operation.
⚙️ Component Alignment
- Match curling cup, knurling tool, and heater to blank thickness and design.
Mold Validation with Paper Blanks 📏
- Position the paper around the mold cone and check for accuracy.
- The bottom extension is twice the depth of the knurling that is 10 mm for a 5 mm depth.
- Sidewall seal = at least 3 mm
- Fit cone in mothermold:
- No gaps
- The cone base should be positioned 5 mm below the center of the T-rod.
- Use a long-leg vernier to check the knurling depth.
- Curling plate clearance = 2× paper thickness.
🛠️ Key Component Checks
| Part | Checkpoints |
|---|---|
| Blank | Ensure the dimensions match the design specifications. |
| Mold Cone | Verify the sealing area, diameter, and compatibility with the knurling. |
| Mothermold | Check for any gaps and inspect the paraffin holes. |
| Butterfly | Ensure the wrap is firmly in place and properly aligned with the mold. |
| Knurling Tool / Bowl | Inspect for the correct height, taper, and depth. |
| Curling Plate | Ensure the clearance is double the paper thickness. |
| Fiber Plate | Verify that the diameter is 8–10 mm larger than the cup’s top. |
| Cutter Set | Check the blade sharpness, pitch circle diameter (PCD), and proper fit. |


