Concrete mold and 3D printing apparatus
The combination design of the limiting plate and the adjusting wheel solves the problem of the inability to adjust the concrete mold structure, realizes the flexible adjustment of the mold size, and improves the applicability of production and the ease of operation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521822304.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-08-26
AI Technical Summary
The existing concrete mold structure cannot be adjusted, resulting in fixed production dimensions and an inability to flexibly adapt to different processing needs.
A concrete mold comprising a fixed component, a movable component, and an adjustable component was designed. The mold space can be flexibly adjusted through the cooperation of a limiting plate, a movable frame, and adjustable wheels.
It enables flexible adjustment of mold size, making it more versatile and suitable for various production needs. It is easy to operate and improves the flexibility and efficiency of processing and production.
Smart Images

Figure CN224675155U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of printing technology, and more specifically, to a concrete mold and 3D printing equipment. Background Technology
[0002] 3D printing technology, as a mature technology, is widely used in the construction industry. Concrete molds produced using 3D printing technology are manufactured quickly, offer high design flexibility, allow for precise customization of shapes, require no secondary machining, and are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and waste-free. New types of modular inner lining templates printed using 3D printing technology can improve production efficiency and ensure concrete quality.
[0003] In related technologies, the structure of concrete molds used in 3D printing equipment is usually fixed, and the structural position cannot be adjusted. This makes them too rigid to use, unable to adjust production dimensions, and inconvenient for flexible processing and production. Utility Model Content
[0004] In order to at least address some of the shortcomings mentioned in the related technologies, this application provides a concrete mold and a 3D printing device.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a concrete mold, including a fixed component, a movable component, and an adjusting component. The fixed component includes two symmetrically arranged limiting plates, at least one of which has a protrusion. The movable component includes a movable frame slidably mounted between the two limiting plates, with two sides of the movable frame abutting against the two limiting plates respectively. Two movable frames are symmetrically arranged between the two limiting plates along their sliding direction, forming a mold space by the movable frames and the limiting plates. The adjusting component includes an adjusting wheel rotatably mounted on the protrusion. Each of the two movable frames has a horizontally arranged rack along its sliding direction, which meshes with the adjusting wheel, with the meshing positions symmetrically arranged around the center of the adjusting wheel. The rack can be fixed relative to the adjusting wheel.
[0006] Furthermore, a slider is provided at the end of the movable frame facing the limiting plate, and multiple sliders are evenly distributed at the end of the movable frame. The limiting plate has corresponding limiting grooves, and the sliders are slidably installed within the limiting grooves.
[0007] Furthermore, the movable frame includes a displacement longitudinal frame, which is disposed on the side of the limiting plate away from the movable frame, and the slider passes through the limiting groove and is connected to the displacement longitudinal frame.
[0008] Furthermore, the movable frame includes a pressing block, which is disposed between the two limiting plates, and multiple pressing blocks are evenly distributed on the displacement longitudinal frame. The slider is disposed between the displacement longitudinal frame and the pressing block.
[0009] Furthermore, a rotating shaft is rotatably mounted at the center of the protrusion, and the adjusting wheel is mounted on the rotating shaft. A pressing member is provided on the rotating shaft, which can abut against the rack to restrict the relative movement of the rack and the adjusting wheel.
[0010] Furthermore, the extrusion component includes an extrusion plate, a threaded hole is provided at the center of the extrusion plate, an external thread is provided on the rotating shaft, and the extrusion plate is threadedly installed on the rotating shaft.
[0011] Furthermore, an arc-shaped block is provided on the side of the extrusion plate facing the rack for extruding the rack; at least two arc-shaped blocks are symmetrically arranged on the extrusion plate.
[0012] Furthermore, the movable component also includes a support plate and an inner liner plate. A working surface is provided on the movable frame facing another movable frame. The inner liner plate is attached to the working surface, and the support plate is disposed between the inner liner plate and the working surface.
[0013] Furthermore, ear plates are installed on both ends of the limiting plate that are opposite to each other along the sliding direction of the movable frame. Multiple positioning holes are evenly distributed on the ear plates along the vertical direction, and positioning bolts are threaded into the positioning holes. The positioning bolts have abutting portions facing the end of the movable frame, which abut against the support plate.
[0014] This application also provides a 3D printing device, including a printer body and a concrete mold as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the concrete mold serves as the printing mold for the printer body.
[0015] With the above technical solution, when using the concrete mold of this application, the concrete mold is placed in a suitable position on the 3D printer, and the mold space formed by the movable frame and the limiting plate is used as the mold for printing.
[0016] When it is necessary to adjust the size of the mold space, the rack and adjusting wheel are no longer fixed relative to each other. Then, the adjusting wheel is rotated, and the adjusting wheel drives the movable frame through the rack, so that the two movable frames slide within the limit plate, moving closer or further apart, thereby changing the size of the mold space.
[0017] The concrete mold of this application can be adjusted in size according to actual production needs, making it more versatile and suitable for flexible processing and production. It is also simple and convenient to use.
[0018] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a concrete mold provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of the concrete mold provided in an embodiment of this application from another perspective; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the movable frame provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting plate provided in an embodiment of this application from one perspective.
[0021] icon: 100-Fixed component; 110-Limiting plate; 111-Limiting groove; 120-Protrusion; 200-Modible component; 210-Modible frame; 211-Displacement longitudinal frame; 212-Extrusion block; 213-Rack; 214-Slider; 215-Ear plate; 216-Positioning bolt; 300-Adjusting component; 310-Adjusting wheel; 311-Rotating shaft; 320-Extrusion plate; 321-Arc block. Detailed Implementation
[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0023] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0024] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0025] This embodiment provides a concrete mold to solve the problem in related technologies that the concrete mold structure cannot be moved, the size cannot be adjusted, and it cannot be used in processing and production activities of different sizes.
[0026] Please see Figures 1 to 4 This embodiment provides a concrete mold, including a fixed component 100, a movable component 200, and an adjusting component 300. The fixed component 100 includes two limiting plates 110 symmetrically arranged, and at least one limiting plate 110 is provided with a protrusion 120. The movable component 200 includes a movable frame 210, which is slidably installed between the two limiting plates 110, and the two sides of the movable frame 210 respectively abut against the two limiting plates 110; two movable frames 210 are symmetrically arranged between the two limiting plates 110 along the sliding direction of the movable frame 210, and the movable frames 210 and the limiting plates 110 enclose a mold space. The adjustment assembly 300 includes an adjustment wheel 310, which is rotatably mounted on the protrusion 120. Two movable frames 210 are each horizontally provided with racks 213 along the sliding direction. The racks 213 mesh with the adjustment wheel 310, and the meshing positions are symmetrically arranged along the center of the adjustment wheel 310. The racks 213 can be fixed relative to the adjustment wheel 310.
[0027] Specifically, when using the concrete mold of this embodiment, the concrete mold is placed in a suitable position on the 3D printer, and the mold space formed by the movable frame 210 and the limiting plate 110 is used as the printing mold for printing operations.
[0028] When adjustments to the printing mold are needed, the relative fixation between rack 213 and adjusting wheel 310 is released. The operator then rotates adjusting wheel 310, causing it to move rack 213. Rack 213 is mounted on movable frame 210; its movement causes the movable frame 210 to move as well. The meshing positions of racks 213 on the two movable frames 210 and adjusting wheel 310 are symmetrically arranged. Therefore, when adjusting wheel 310 rotates, the two racks 213 move in opposite directions, meaning the two movable frames 210 move synchronously, approaching or moving away from each other, thus adjusting the size of the mold space.
[0029] In this embodiment, the concrete mold can be adjusted according to actual production needs to meet the production requirements of products of different sizes. The concrete mold adjustment process is simple and easy to operate, without the need to add or remove any parts or components, making it more convenient and flexible to use.
[0030] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a slider 214 is provided at the end of the movable frame 210 facing the limiting plate 110, and multiple sliders 214 are evenly distributed at the end of the movable frame 210. Multiple limiting grooves 111 are correspondingly provided on the limiting plate 110, and the sliders 214 are slidably installed within the limiting grooves 111. The cooperation between the sliders 214 and the limiting grooves 111 forms a precision guiding structure, ensuring that the movable frame 210 maintains linear motion during sliding along the limiting plate 110, avoiding deviation, tilting, or jamming. The evenly distributed arrangement of multiple sliders 214 can evenly distribute the load of the movable frame 210, reduce local stress concentration, and make the movement more stable, thereby ensuring the geometric accuracy of the mold space during adjustment.
[0031] The slider 214 is embedded in the limiting groove 111, which is equivalent to forming a multi-point support structure between the movable frame 210 and the limiting plate 110, significantly improving the structural rigidity of the entire mold under stress. During the 3D printing or casting process, the mold needs to withstand a certain pressure. This structure can effectively prevent the movable frame 210 from deforming or displacing due to uneven stress, ensuring the molding quality.
[0032] Because the slider 214 and the limiting groove 111 fit tightly, the degree of freedom of the movable frame 210 in the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction is limited, making the dimensional changes driven by the adjusting wheel 310 and the rack 213 more precise and controllable.
[0033] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 1 to 4As shown, the movable frame 210 includes a displacement longitudinal frame 211, which is located on the side of the limiting plate 110 away from the movable frame 210. The slider 214 passes through the limiting groove 111 and is connected to the displacement longitudinal frame 211. Arranging the displacement longitudinal frame 211 outside the limiting plate 110 allows the force applied by the adjusting wheel 310 driven by the rack 213 to be transferred from inside the mold to the outside. This achieves physical separation between the driving structure and the forming space, preventing the adjusting mechanism from intruding into the mold's internal space. It also prevents interference with concrete pouring or the 3D printing path, reduces cleaning difficulty, improves demolding convenience, maintains the integrity and smoothness of the mold's inner wall, and improves molding quality.
[0034] The displacement longitudinal frame 211, as the main load-bearing skeleton of the movable frame 210, is located outside the limiting plate 110 and connected to multiple sliders 214 to form an external support frame. The structure of the external support frame can effectively resist the lateral pressure from inside the mold, prevent the movable frame 210 from bending or twisting inward, and significantly improve the structural stability and load-bearing capacity of the mold.
[0035] By arranging the transmission and support components on the outside of the limiting plate 110, the internal space of the mold is freed up, making the inner surface of the mold simpler and more continuous, which is conducive to the precise forming of complex curved surfaces. At the same time, key adjustment components such as the adjusting wheel 310 and the rack 213 are also located on the outside, making it easy for operators to observe, manually adjust, or connect to an automated drive device later, thus improving ergonomics and the potential for intelligent upgrades.
[0036] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the movable frame 210 includes extrusion blocks 212, which are disposed between two limiting plates 110, and multiple extrusion blocks 212 are evenly distributed on the displacement longitudinal frame 211. A slider 214 is disposed between the displacement longitudinal frame 211 and the extrusion blocks 212. The displacement longitudinal frame 211 is responsible for bearing the transmission and motion functions, while the extrusion blocks 212 directly participate in molding, forming the inner wall of the mold. The extrusion blocks 212 can be replaced individually or customized according to the shape of the component. The transmission components such as the displacement longitudinal frame 211 and the slider 214 can be used for a long time, reducing overall maintenance costs.
[0037] The extrusion block 212 is a component that directly faces the mold space and can be customized for the geometry of different 3D printed components. Multiple extrusion blocks 212 are evenly distributed on the displacement frame 211 and can be spliced into complex contours to meet the printing needs of irregularly shaped components, thereby improving the designability and styling flexibility of the mold.
[0038] During the printing or pouring process, concrete generates significant lateral pressure, which initially acts on the extrusion block 212. The extrusion block 212 transmits this pressure to the displacement frame 211 via multiple sliders 214, and then the frame distributes the pressure throughout the mold frame via the limiting plate 110 support structure. The evenly distributed sliders 214 ensure uniform load distribution, preventing localized stress concentration and preventing the extrusion block 212 from bending, tilting, or jamming, thus ensuring the mold maintains dimensional stability under high pressure.
[0039] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a rotating shaft 311 is rotatably mounted at the center of the protrusion 120, and an adjusting wheel 310 is mounted on the rotating shaft 311. A pressing element is provided on the rotating shaft 311, which abuts against the rack 213 to restrict the relative movement of the rack 213 and the adjusting wheel 310. After the mold size adjustment is completed, the pressing element is operated to press the rack 213 tightly, fixing the rack 213 and the adjusting wheel 310 in a mechanically locked state. This prevents accidental displacement of the movable frame 210 due to vibration, pressure, or external impact during 3D printing or concrete pouring, ensuring stable and reliable mold space dimensions and guaranteeing molding accuracy.
[0040] Significant dynamic loads may be generated during concrete construction. If the adjusting mechanism lacks a locking function, it can easily cause mold deformation or even collapse. The clamping force provided by the extrusion component ensures that the rack 213 and the adjusting wheel 310 are tightly engaged, enhancing the impact resistance of the transmission system, preventing gear skipping or slippage, and improving the overall structural safety and operational stability.
[0041] The adjusting wheel 310 is coaxially mounted with the extruder on the rotating shaft 311, making operation clearer and more intuitive. During adjustment, the pressure on the extruder is released, and rotating the adjusting wheel 310 moves the rack 213. To lock, the extruder is operated to press against the rack 213, thus completing the fixation. Operation is convenient, requiring no additional tools or locking devices, making it suitable for rapid on-site work. In this locked state, the extruder bears most of the lateral force and vibration load, reducing the stress on the meshing surface of the gear and rack 213, minimizing wear and fatigue damage, and extending the service life of the transmission components.
[0042] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the extrusion component includes an extrusion plate 320 with a threaded hole at its center. An external thread is provided on the rotating shaft 311, and the extrusion plate 320 is threadedly mounted on the rotating shaft 311. The thread has self-locking properties, reliably maintaining its position after rotation and preventing loosening due to vibration. By controlling the rotation angle, the axial displacement of the extrusion plate 320 can be precisely adjusted, thereby controlling its clamping force on the rack 213. Insufficient clamping can be corrected by continued rotation to increase pressure. Over-clamping can be corrected by reverse fine-tuning to avoid damage to the rack 213 or the transmission mechanism.
[0043] Operators can achieve "tightening" or "loosening" actions simply by rotating the clamping plate 320 degrees, without the need for additional tools. The mechanical gain effect of the thread allows a large axial clamping force to be generated with a small rotational force, making it suitable for manual operation and providing excellent human-machine interaction, especially in construction site environments.
[0044] The extrusion plate 320 and the rotating shaft 311 are directly threaded together, eliminating the need for additional drive rods, connecting rods or spring mechanisms. This results in a simple structure, fewer parts, and a low failure rate.
[0045] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, an arc-shaped block 321 is provided on the side of the extrusion plate 320 facing the rack 213 for extruding the rack 213; at least two arc-shaped blocks 321 are symmetrically arranged on the extrusion plate 320. The symmetrical arrangement of at least two arc-shaped blocks 321 can form two-point or multi-point synchronous pressing in the width direction of the rack 213, avoiding local bending, twisting or tilting of the rack 213 due to single-point force application. Multi-point support makes the pressure distribution more uniform, effectively protecting the tooth structure of the rack 213 and extending its service life.
[0046] A single pressure head is prone to overturning or slipping under force due to eccentricity, affecting the locking effect. The symmetrically arranged arc-shaped blocks 321 form a stable pressure pair, which can effectively resist torque and ensure that the extrusion plate 320 maintains a parallel posture during the pressing process without tilting, thus improving the smoothness and reliability of the locking action.
[0047] The edges of the flat pressure block are prone to stress concentration, which may damage the surface of the rack 213 or cause cracks in the tooth root. The curved block 321 has a smooth transition at the edge, and the stress distribution in the contact area is more uniform, reducing local pressure and effectively protecting the rack 213 body. It is especially suitable for scenarios that require high-strength repeated locking in this embodiment.
[0048] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the movable component 200 also includes a support plate and an inner lining plate. A working surface is provided on the movable frame 210 facing another movable frame 210. The inner lining plate is attached to the working surface, and the support plate is positioned between the inner lining plate and the working surface. This hierarchical structure design of the working surface, support plate, and inner lining plate achieves functional layering and optimizes structural division of labor. The movable frame 210 undertakes movement and adjustment functions and is part of the transmission and sliding structure. The support plate provides mechanical support, transmitting concrete pressure and maintaining overall rigidity. The inner lining plate directly contacts the concrete material, participates in molding, and determines the surface quality.
[0049] As a replaceable and vulnerable layer, the inner lining plate directly withstands the scouring, corrosion, and demolding friction of the concrete, preventing wear or damage to the main body of the movable frame 210. Even if the inner lining plate develops scratches, adhesions, or deformation due to long-term use, only the inner lining plate needs to be replaced, without replacing the entire movable frame 210 or the adjustment mechanism, significantly reducing maintenance costs.
[0050] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, ear plates 215 are installed on two opposite ends of the limiting plate 110 along the sliding direction of the movable frame 210. Multiple positioning holes are evenly distributed vertically on the ear plates 215, and positioning bolts 216 are threaded into these holes. The positioning bolts 216 have abutment portions facing the movable frame 210, which abut against the support plate. The multiple vertically distributed positioning holes form an adjustment array, allowing the positioning bolts 216 to be installed at different heights, thus accommodating support plates and inner lining plates of different thicknesses or installation heights. After the movable frame 210 is adjusted to its position, fine-tuning compensation or auxiliary centering can be performed using the positioning bolts 216 to ensure that both sides of the movable frame 210 are at the same horizontal height, avoiding mold skewing or forming deviation due to installation errors. The design of multiple vertically distributed positioning holes also allows the system to adapt to support plates or inner lining plates of different thicknesses without the need for customized special accessories.
[0051] The ear plate 215 and the positioning bolt 216 form an external auxiliary support structure, rigidly connecting the movable frame 210 and the limiting plate 110 to form a more stable frame system. Especially in high-wall, deep-mold, or large-volume printing scenarios, it can significantly improve the mold's ability to resist lateral expansion forces and longitudinal deflection, preventing mold bulging.
[0052] This embodiment also provides a 3D printing device, including a printer body and a concrete mold as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the concrete mold serves as the printing mold for the printer body.
[0053] The 3D printing equipment in this embodiment has the concrete mold of any of the above embodiments, and thus has all the beneficial effects of the concrete mold, which will not be repeated here.
[0054] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.
[0055] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A concrete mold, characterized in that, include: The fixing component (100) includes a limiting plate (110), two limiting plates (110) are symmetrically arranged, and at least one of the limiting plates (110) is provided with a protrusion (120). The movable component (200) includes a movable frame (210), which is slidably mounted between two limiting plates (110), and the two sides of the movable frame (210) respectively abut against the two limiting plates (110); two movable frames (210) are symmetrically arranged between the two limiting plates (110) along the sliding direction of the movable frame (210), and the movable frames (210) and the limiting plates (110) enclose each other to form a mold space; An adjustment assembly (300) includes an adjustment wheel (310) rotatably mounted on the protrusion (120). Two movable frames (210) are each horizontally provided with racks (213) along the sliding direction. The racks (213) mesh with the adjustment wheel (310), and the meshing positions are symmetrically arranged along the center of the adjustment wheel (310). The racks (213) can be fixed relative to the adjustment wheel (310).
2. The concrete mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable frame (210) is provided with a slider (214) at the end facing the limiting plate (110), and multiple sliders (214) are evenly distributed at the end of the movable frame (210). The limiting plate (110) has a plurality of limiting grooves (111) corresponding to it, and the slider (214) is slidably installed in the limiting grooves (111).
3. The concrete mold according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movable frame (210) includes a displacement longitudinal frame (211), which is disposed on the side of the limiting plate (110) away from the movable frame (210). The slider (214) passes through the limiting groove (111) and is connected to the displacement longitudinal frame (211).
4. The concrete mold according to claim 3, characterized in that, The movable frame (210) includes a pressing block (212), which is disposed between the two limiting plates (110), and multiple pressing blocks (212) are evenly distributed on the displacement longitudinal frame (211). The slider (214) is disposed between the displacement frame (211) and the compression block (212).
5. The concrete mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, A rotating shaft (311) is rotatably mounted at the center of the protrusion (120), and the adjusting wheel (310) is mounted on the rotating shaft (311); The rotating shaft (311) is provided with a pressing member, which can abut against the rack (213) to limit the relative movement of the rack (213) and the adjusting wheel (310).
6. The concrete mold according to claim 5, characterized in that, The extrusion component includes an extrusion plate (320), which has a threaded hole at its center. The rotating shaft (311) has an external thread, and the extrusion plate (320) is threadedly mounted on the rotating shaft (311).
7. The concrete mold according to claim 6, characterized in that, An arc-shaped block (321) is provided on the side of the extrusion plate (320) facing the rack (213) for extruding the rack (213); at least two arc-shaped blocks (321) are symmetrically arranged on the extrusion plate (320).
8. The concrete mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable component also includes a support plate and an inner lining plate. A working surface is provided on the movable frame (210) facing another movable frame (210). The inner lining plate is attached to the working surface, and the support plate is disposed between the inner lining plate and the working surface.
9. The concrete mold according to claim 8, characterized in that, On the two ends of the limiting plate (110) which are opposite to each other along the sliding direction of the movable frame (210), there are ear plates (215). Multiple positioning holes are evenly distributed on the ear plates (215) along the vertical direction, and positioning bolts (216) are installed in the internal threads of the positioning holes. The positioning bolt (216) has an abutment portion at the end facing the movable frame (210), which can abut against the support plate.
10. A 3D printing device, characterized in that, It includes a printer body and a concrete mold as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the concrete mold serves as a printing mold for the printer body.