Hot Stamping Dies
If you would like to make a mold with computer graphics or logos, you might want to consider using hot stamping dies. Hot stamping dies can made of magnesium, copper, brass, steel, or silicone. They are typically made by a process called photoengraving or photoetching. See Plates & Dies for more information.
The least expensive of the hot stamping die materials is magnesium. These dies will have letters or images either raised or recessed on the plate. Everything will be raised or recessed to the same height or depth; producing a flat image. This is called the relief height.
Magnesium dies can be produced on 16 gauge (.064"), 80 thousandths (.080"), 11 point (.153"), ¼ inch (.250"), or 3/8" (.375). This is listed in the order of cost, with 16 gauge being the least expensive. The relief of each die will vary upon the photoengraver, but typically it will range somewhere between 40% to 60% of the die thickness.
For making custom chocolate molds, I would suggest using either the 16 gauge or 80 thousandths. It really depends on the image and the mold making method. If you are going to be making plastic molds by vacuum forming and the image is not very detailed, or you will be making molds from silicone, you can probably just use the 16 gauge. If you will be making plastic molds and your image is detailed, such as with smaller letters, you may want to use an 80 thousandths die. Both of these dies can be cut with a good pair of shop scissors.
To order a magnesium hot stamping die, you will need to have your artwork ready. Each photoengraver will have their own requirements, but generally, you must have a very clean black and white image. Vector graphics work best. See Drawing the Mold Design. Many photoengravers now have online ordering systems where you can send the image file directly over the internet.
The cost of hot stamping dies is normally computed based on square inches. The cost per square inch goes down as the overall die size gets larger. You can take several images and put them all on one die. Just make sure to leave room in between each image to allow for cutting. Also, tell the photoengraver that you will cut it yourself. Otherwise, they might cut it for you and you will lose the quanity discount. For example, a 6 sq. inch 16 gauge magnesium die might cost about $10, whereas a 12 sq. inch might cost $13.
Other types of dies that you may consider are useful, but much more expensive, are brass dies and silicone dies. Brass dies are usually engraved by hand. They are really good if you want a multi-level image. Silicone dies are flexible and can be used on curved areas. They too can be made to be multi-dimensional with 3d engraving.