Do You Need Free-Flange Blades? Critical Selection Factors
Key Takeaway: Blade free-flange is critical when: (1) the mold has non-standard plate thickness requiring custom pin lengths, (2) multiple rib depths in the same mold need different ejection strokes, or (3) prototype molds where rib geometry may change.
Decision Matrix
| Scenario | Standard Blade | Blade Free-Flange |
|---|---|---|
| Standard plate thickness | ✅ Preferred (cheaper) | Works but unnecessary cost |
| Non-standard plate thickness | Custom length order (7–10 days) | ✅ Adjust on-site (same day) |
| Multiple rib depths in same mold | Multiple pin lengths needed | ✅ One pin, multiple positions |
| Prototype/tryout molds | May need re-ordering if geometry changes | ✅ Adjust without replacement |