---
title: Polygonal mould for sheet press
slug: polygonal-mould-for-sheet-press
description: Plastic sheets created with a sheet press need not be square.

Here, we demonstrate how to make an octagonal mold for octagonal plastic sheets. These techniques can be used to create any polygonal mold, such as triangular or hexagonal.

For further guidance, feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions regarding the mold.
tags: ["sheetpress","mould"]
category: Moulds
difficulty: Medium
time: < 1 day
location: Sukawati, Indonesia
---
import { Image } from 'astro:assets'
# Polygonal mould for sheet press
<Image src={import('./Screenshot_3-18551b60d58-187bbbca774.png')} alt="Polygonal mould for sheet press" />
Plastic sheets created with a sheet press need not be square.

Here, we demonstrate how to make an octagonal mold for octagonal plastic sheets. These techniques can be used to create any polygonal mold, such as triangular or hexagonal.

For further guidance, feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions regarding the mold.

User Location: Sukawati, Indonesia
## Steps
### Step 1: Gather tools and material

### Tools
- Sheet press set
- Angle grinder
- Welding tools and materials
- Jigsaw
- Sander (for product finishing)
- Safety gear: welding helmet, safety glasses, mask
- Marker
- Ruler

- Computer with drafting/drawing software

### Materials
- Steel for mold: 0.79 x 0.79 inches (2x2 cm) galvanized steel (standard size = 19.7 ft)
- Clean, sorted plastic, type optional


<Image src={import('./Screenshot_20221228_035519-18557c81e43_1-187bbb8d51c.png')} alt="Screenshot_20221228_035519-18557c81e43 (1)-187bbb8d51c.png" />


<Image src={import('./IMG_5704-18557ab30d8_1-187bbb8fc4b.jpg')} alt="IMG_5704-18557ab30d8 (1)-187bbb8fc4b.jpg" />

### Step 2: Draw

Draw the polygon in your preferred drafting software to obtain precise dimensions for each side. 

Measure your sheet press work area. 

Offset by 2 inches (5 cm) inward for space around the mold. 

Design the polygon based on your machine's capacity. 

Offset by 0.8 inches (2 cm) inward for the steel thickness. 

Use the drawing to measure the mold dimensions. This will aid in calculating the plastic required for sheet production.


<Image src={import('./octagonal_sheets-185529f10cc-187bbb95bc1.png')} alt="octagonal sheets-185529f10cc-187bbb95bc1.png" />

### Step 3: Cut

After outlining and measuring, use an angle grinder to cut the 20mm (0.79 inches) hollow galvanized steel to the specified size.

Mark dimensions using an erasable marker for accuracy.
Employ an angle grinder for cutting.
Use a whiteboard marker to draw a 1:1 template of your sheets to align angles and dimensions properly, adjusting as necessary.


<Image src={import('./IMG_9475-1854bee9b7e-187bbb9ad31.jpg')} alt="IMG_9475-1854bee9b7e-187bbb9ad31.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./IMG_9468-1854beeb2ea-187bbb9d890.jpg')} alt="IMG_9468-1854beeb2ea-187bbb9d890.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./IMG_9491-1854beed0f0-187bbb9e4ad.jpg')} alt="IMG_9491-1854beed0f0-187bbb9e4ad.jpg" />

### Step 4: Weld

Using a whiteboard marker, draw a full-scale template of your sheets to verify and adjust angles and dimensions as necessary.

Weld all sides to join the ends and form your polygonal sheets.


<Image src={import('./IMG_9771-1854d3672c3_1-187bbba57c8.jpg')} alt="IMG_9771-1854d3672c3 (1)-187bbba57c8.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./IMG_9795-1854d37704a-187bbba6fc6.jpg')} alt="IMG_9795-1854d37704a-187bbba6fc6.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./Screenshot_97-1854d36eb66-187bbba884b.png')} alt="Screenshot (97)-1854d36eb66-187bbba884b.png" />

### Step 5: Finishing

Use an angle grinder to smooth excess welding material. This is essential to ensure the mold lies flat against the sheets, preventing damage and preventing plastic from leaking if the surface is uneven.


<Image src={import('./Screenshot_95-18557c67553_1-187bbbaf6ba.png')} alt="Screenshot (95)-18557c67553 (1)-187bbbaf6ba.png" />


<Image src={import('./IMG_5701-18557c5366f-187bbbb29a8.jpg')} alt="IMG_5701-18557c5366f-187bbbb29a8.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./IMG_5700-18557c53ec1-187bbbb390e.jpg')} alt="IMG_5700-18557c53ec1-187bbbb390e.jpg" />

### Step 6: Make your polygonal sheet

### How to Make Your Polygonal Sheet

Determine the required plastic by calculating the area of your polygon from the drawing.

For comprehensive guidance, refer to a "how to" tutorial on sheet pressing available online.

We welcome feedback from those who have attempted this method.

Sincerely,

Wedoo Team


<Image src={import('./IMG_9900-1854d39cf75-187bbbc417b.jpg')} alt="IMG_9900-1854d39cf75-187bbbc417b.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./DJI_0107-1854d39ff9e-187bbbc6d67.jpg')} alt="DJI_0107-1854d39ff9e-187bbbc6d67.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./3-1854d3a11e6-187bbbc7d72.png')} alt="3-1854d3a11e6-187bbbc7d72.png" />