CNC Machines
To make high quality chocolate molds, the best method is to use CNC equipment. CNC, or computer numerically controlled, machines are basically routers that are electronically controlled by computer programs. These computer programs are known as CAM programs or computer aided manufacturing programs. Basically, a drawing of the model chocolate is usually made in a CAD, or computer aided design, program. The CAD drawing is then converted into a CAM code which can be read by the CNC equipment. The CNC router is then computer guided and will create the model to almost perfect measurements.
CNC machines can be 2 axis, 3 axis, 4 axis, or 5 axis. What this means is in what directions the machine can travel. For example, a 2 axis CNC machine has an X and Y axis. The X axis may cut up and down the length of a board, and the Y axis may cut across. All cuts will be at the same depth. A 3 axis machine will have an X, Y, and Z axis. The Z axis would control how deep of a cut the machine makes. So, a 3 axis machine can cut at varying depths, but a 2 axis cannot. A 4 axis machine can cut in the X, Y, and Z, and make some rotational cuts.
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CNC machines that are sufficient to make chocolate molds can be purchased or made for as little as a few thousand dollars. Obviously, the more directions a machine can cut, the higher the price. One also would need to purchase the CAD/CAM programs as well. This does present a problem for the novice. Some education is necessary to use CAD/CAM programs and operate CNC machinery. Another choice is to build your own cnc machine. You can buy many plans and parts over the Internet.
CarveWright Woodworking System
Recently, an easier to use alternative to the CNC machine has come on the market. A company named Carvewright has created a machine that can be used without CAD/CAM knowledge. The machine is also sold by Sears under the name Compucarve. The machine comes with its own CAD/CAM software. Basically, you make your drawing on the Carvewright software and then save it on a memory card. You then put the card into the machine. It will walk you through the steps. It is pretty amazing and retails for about $1,700. For an extra couple hundred dollars you can even get a scanner probe which will take measurements from an item so you can recreate it using the machine. The only limitations I see of the Carvewright is that it is limited to cutting wood and soft plastics; whereas a regular CNC machine can cut metals. In addition, the Carvewright's Z axis, or depth of cut, is not as good as a regular CNC machine.
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