In recent years, 3D modeling has become an integral part of the work of architects and designers, landscape agencies, and interior design studios. An author’s object is no longer limited to drawings or sketches—any idea can be turned into an accurate digital model and viewed in space even before production. However, the question arises: what to do next if you need to manufacture a series of products in concrete or plaster?
How to put an idea into production?
A fiberglass mold is a bridge between a digital project and a real product. The modern process looks like this:
- the designer creates a 3D model or provides a sketch;
- the master model is printed on a 3D printer (or milled);
- a fiberglass mold is made based on the master model. This mold can withstand heavy loads, does not deform, conveys the smallest details of the surface, and allows you to obtain a perfect replica of the object conceived by the designer over and over again.
This opens up the possibility of not just creating a beautiful art object, but launching a full-fledged line of products.
Why fiberglass is optimal for mass production
Fiberglass has become the industry standard for several reasons:
- Rigidity and stable geometry — the shape does not warp or “play” over time.
- Smooth surface and high detail — especially important for concrete planters, benches, and other street furniture.
- Durability — the right fiberglass mold can withstand multiple pours without losing quality.
In practice, this means that once the mold is created, the manufacturer has a reliable tool for stable mass production.
What you can create: examples of popular products
Fiberglass molds are particularly in demand in the following areas:
- street planters
- concrete benches
- trash cans
- art objects and installations — unique sculptures for parks and shopping centers
- decorative panels and facade slabs.
And most importantly, the design of the object can be absolutely anything. Examples of such forms and finished products can be found on this website mouldsart.com
How fiberglass molds work in practice
Working with a fiberglass mold looks like this: first, the mold is cleaned of dust and residues from the previous pour, and a separating compound (lubricant) is thinly applied so that the concrete or plaster can be easily removed. Then the mold is assembled (if it is collapsible), tightened with bolts, and placed on a flat surface. After that, concrete or plaster mixture is poured into it. This can be done either on a vibrating table or using self-compacting concrete. When the mold is filled to the required level, the surface is leveled with a trowel and the product is left alone for a while to gain strength (for plaster, this takes hours, for concrete, it takes longer, depending on the recipe). Next, the mold is removed. The finished element is left to dry, and the mold is washed and the process is repeated for the next pour.
For businesses, fiberglass molds are not just a tool, but a way to significantly speed up and reduce the cost of production. One mold can be used to produce dozens of products with the same geometry, which reduces the cost of each unit. Scaling up also becomes easy: to increase production volume, simply add more molds without purchasing expensive equipment or expanding the workforce.
Fiberglass molds enable manufacturers to quickly launch new collections of concrete products, fulfill non-standard orders, and offer the market a unique product that sets them apart from their competitors. This directly affects margins, return on investment, and business sustainability.