8480.79.90.20 - Bladder operated molds

This classification covers molds specifically designed for the production of rubber or plastic articles, utilizing a bladder as a key component in their operation. These "bladder operated molds" function by incorporating an inflatable bladder within the mold cavity. During the molding process, this bladder is inflated, applying pressure to the material being molded, thus ensuring accurate shape transfer and potentially aiding in complex part formation or achieving specific surface finishes. Examples include molds used in processes where fluid pressure is a critical element for achieving the desired shape and density of the final rubber or plastic product.

Within the broader category of molds for rubber or plastics, this specific sub-classification distinguishes itself from its siblings. "Blow molds" (8480.79.90.10) are primarily designed for forming hollow plastic objects through the inflation of a parison, whereas "other molds" (8480.79.90.90) encompass a wider array of molding techniques for rubber and plastics that do not rely on an internal inflatable bladder. The defining characteristic of 8480.79.90.20 is the inherent operational mechanism involving a bladder to facilitate the molding of rubber or plastic materials.

As a leaf node in the HTS classification, 8480.79.90.20 has no further subdivisions. Classification into this category is determined by the presence of a bladder as an integral part of the mold's operational mechanism for shaping rubber or plastic. The primary consideration is the functional design of the mold, which actively employs a bladder to exert pressure during the molding cycle, differentiating it from other molding methods for these materials.