Fruit Basket Mould
Our fruit basket mould features precision-engineered ventilation holes that ensure proper air circulation for fresh produce. Made with high-grade P20 steel, this mould delivers consistent quality over 500,000 cycles. The ergonomic handle design and stackable feature make it perfect for supermarkets and farmers markets.
Cycle Time
25-30 seconds
Mould Life
500,000+ shots
Material
PP / HDPE
Key Features
- Ventilation holes for air circulation
- Stackable design
- Ergonomic handle
- High polish finish
- Quick color change capability
Technical Specifications
| Product Size | 400 x 300 x 150 mm |
| Mould Size | 600 x 500 x 450 mm |
| Cavity | 1 cavity |
| Steel | P20 / 718H |
| Hardness | 28-32 HRC |
| Runner System | Hot Runner |
| Ejection | Stripper Plate |
Applications
Serving the Global Fresh Produce Industry
Our fruit basket moulds are specifically engineered for the demanding requirements of agricultural supply chains, from farm gates to supermarket shelves.
The Middle East Market Success Story
In 2022, a major UAE-based fruit distributor approached us with a challenge: their existing baskets were causing significant produce spoilage during the hot summer months. After analyzing their distribution network, we designed a custom ventilation pattern with 64 precisely positioned holes.
The results were remarkable:- 23% reduction in fruit spoilage
- 15% faster cooling during cold chain processing
- Consistent stacking performance in automated warehouses
Why Ventilation Matters for Fresh Produce
Fruits and vegetables continue to respire after harvest, releasing heat and moisture. Without proper ventilation:
- Ethylene gas builds up, accelerating ripening
- Moisture creates mold-friendly conditions
- Temperature hotspots damage produce quality
Applications Across the Agricultural Value Chain
- Farm-Level Collection: Durable design withstands rough handling during harvest
- Wholesale Markets: Stackable design maximizes truck loading efficiency
- Cold Storage Facilities: Ventilation enables uniform cooling
- Retail Display: Attractive appearance for in-store merchandising
Engineering Excellence: The Science Behind Our Fruit Basket Mould
Ventilation Hole Design Optimization
The ventilation pattern in our fruit basket mould is the result of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and real-world testing.
Hole Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Hole Diameter | 15mm | Optimal airflow vs. structural integrity |
| Total Holes | 64 | 15% open area ratio |
| Pattern | Staggered grid | Even air distribution |
| Edge Distance | 20mm minimum | Prevents cracking |
Why 15% Open Area?
Through collaboration with agricultural research institutes, we determined that:
- <10% open area: Insufficient cooling, 2-3°C core temperature difference
- 15% open area: Optimal balance, <0.5°C temperature variance
- >20% open area: Structural weakness, stacking failures
Stackable Design Engineering
The corner geometry of our fruit basket mould incorporates:
- 5° draft angle: Easy demoulding without distortion
- Interlocking ribs: 25% increased stacking stability vs. flat design
- Reinforced bottom corners: Load distribution for 8-basket stacking with 5kg fruit each
Material Flow Analysis
We use Moldflow simulation to optimize:
- Gate location for balanced filling
- Cooling channel placement for even shrinkage
- Wall thickness uniformity to prevent warping
Cycle Time Optimization
Our hot runner system achieves 25-30 second cycles through:
- Valve gate technology: Clean gate vestige, no post-processing
- Conformal cooling: 3D-printed cooling channels follow part geometry
- Optimized cooling time: 18 seconds (70% of total cycle)
Steel Selection Rationale
We offer two steel options based on production requirements:
| Steel Grade | Recommended For | Hardness | Mould Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| P20 | Standard production | 28-32 HRC | 500,000 shots |
| 718H | High-volume, abrasive PP | 30-34 HRC | 800,000 shots |
Why Choose Our Fruit Basket Mould
64 precision-engineered ventilation holes for optimal produce freshness
Stackable 8-high design tested for 40kg total load
CFD-optimized airflow pattern reduces spoilage by up to 23%
Food-grade PP/HDPE compatible, meets FDA requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our Fruit Basket Mould
What is the optimal ventilation hole size for citrus fruits?
For citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, we recommend 15mm diameter holes. This size provides adequate airflow for the higher respiration rate of citrus while preventing smaller fruits from catching in the holes. For very small citrus like kumquats, we can design 12mm holes with increased hole count.
Can the basket design be modified for wet produce like leafy vegetables?
Yes, we offer a drainage-optimized variant with additional 8mm drainage slots along the bottom edges. This design allows water from washing or condensation to escape quickly, reducing bacterial growth and extending shelf life.
What is the maximum stacking height for fully loaded baskets?
With our reinforced corner design, baskets can be safely stacked 8-high when loaded with 5kg of produce each (40kg total per stack). For heavier produce like potatoes, we recommend limiting stacks to 6 baskets.
How do you ensure consistent ventilation hole quality across 500,000 shots?
Each ventilation hole is formed by a precision-ground core pin with replaceable tips. We include a spare set of core pins with each mould, and our maintenance schedule recommends inspection every 100,000 shots.
What color options are available for fruit baskets?
The mould accommodates any color masterbatch. Popular choices include green (fresh produce association), red (strawberries, apples), and blue (blueberries). We recommend UV-stabilized masterbatch for outdoor market use.
Can you add custom branding to the fruit basket?
Yes, we can incorporate logo areas up to 100x50mm on two sides. Options include engraved (debossed) logos at no extra cost, or raised (embossed) logos with slight mould modification cost.