METHODS OF MOLDING FASTENERS AND OF FORMING FASTENER MOLDS

摘要

A method is provided for making a mold cavity (136) for forming a fastener element having a predetermined shape including an undercut portion. The method includes: (a) providing a mold body (130) having a surface; (b) providing a shaped electrode (60), the shape of the electrode being selected to enable the predetermined shape of the mold cavity (136) to be described by motions of the electrode (60); (c) moving the shaped electrode (60) into the surface of the mold body (130) to form an initial opening (132) in the mold body; (d) moving the shaped electrode (60) within the initial opening (132) in a set of motions referenced to multiple axes to enlarge the initial opening and form the predetermined shape of the mold cavity (136); and (e) removing the shaped electrode from the mold body. Methods of molding fastener elements are also provided.