Petro Mold Co.

Ceramic Molds

Since every project we receive is unique, we require as much information as possible to make an individual estimate for you.  Your actual project cost depends on many factors, such as size, complexity, number of molds and mold parts, if you require a rubber die for mold production, etc.  If your casting requirements are such that you will be casting 100 ceramic pieces or less, one mold should be sufficient.  This would be for a very limited edition, a fundraiser, etc.  Most of our clients, however, cast thousands of pieces, and require the rubber die for multiple molds.  

Here's how the process works:  First we offer you a free consultation for your project.  We will need photographs or drawings of the piece to be made.  We can create your drawings for you if you would like. 

Then we will send you a detailed job estimate for the project, including projected costs and estimated completion date, along with our policies and procedures.  Once everything is on paper, and we receive a retainer, we will begin your project. When the sculpture is approved by you (via photographs) we will make the master mold. 

After the hand crafted master mold is dry, we can send it to you for casting (keep in mind that it is the only mold in existence, and will have an average life expectancy of 100 castings), or we can use it to set up the rubber case.

If you choose to have a rubber case made, we can produce your casting molds from it, or we can send it to you and you can choose a caster closer to you,  Either way, if we make a rubber case for you,  your first 3 molds are free!

Our pricing for ceramic molds is four tiered.  You may fall into just one, or two or you may need all four services. If you are beginning from scratch, you will probably need all four. These steps are:

1. Sculpting fee:  This is an hourly rate we charge to make the first, mold ready three dimensional piece.
2. Master mold:  This is the first, hand-made mold cast off of the sculpture.  It is priced by the mold piece.
3. Rubber case:  This is the flexible mold die that we use to cast multiple molds which you use for your slip casting.
4. Casting molds:  These are cast out of the rubber die, and are priced by the pound.

Since one mold has an average life span of 100 casting, we offer your first three casting molds for free with the purchase of the rubber mold case.  At an average of one hundred castings per mold, these three casting molds should generate about 300 castings, which is usually sufficient to begin your production and sales.  

Note:  A typical client, who needs all four steps done to create their custom mold will need to sell an average of just 35 to 50 finished pieces to fully recover the design and molding costs.  Your recovery may vary depending on geographic location, market conditions, and actual expenses incurred.

Contact Us today for your free consultation and estimate.

Robert Petro

Flexible Molds

If you require a flexible mold for resin, plaster or other self hardening material, we will create a detailed job estimate on an individual basis after the initial consultation.  Pricing for flex molds vary based on size, complexity, material weight, and flexible material used.  This type of mold follows just two steps for pricing:

1. Sculpting fee:  This is the same hourly rate as mentioned above.
2. Mold making:  This process will generate one mold for your casting, and will be estimated individually.

Contact Us today for your free flex mold consultation and estimate.

888-811-6653

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Contact Us Toll Free - US / Canada:  888-811-6653

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Last modified: September 02, 2008