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Polycarbonate Molds & Smallwares

Slot 19 · Custom CC-monogrammed signature molds + standard mold library + chocolatier smallwares

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Overview

Vol. II §8 specifies the mold strategy: custom polycarbonate molds with the CC monogram debossed at center, three shape categories (square = dark, dome = milk, round = white) with two of each shape for parallel production, plus a broader inventory of standard molds for seasonal varieties and limited editions. The full opening kit at 50+ molds covers the signature six-piece line plus a working library for seasonal rotations and any class/event production.

Lead Times & Timing Lock in the custom signature molds 8 weeks before opening (lead time + 2-week buffer). Standard molds and smallwares can be ordered 2–3 weeks before opening once the chocolatier is on board and can spec their preferences. Total Slot 19 budget is $3,400–6,800; the $2,500–4,500 tighter version is likely sufficient if you skew toward fewer standard molds at opening and let the chocolatier expand the library in year 1.

Slot 19a — Custom CC-Monogrammed Signature Molds

Custom polycarbonate molds — signature line

Slot 19a
Stored on prep-table undershelf and reach-in shelves · Polycarbonate, food-safe · CC monogram debossed at piece center
Recommended — Tomric Systems custom polycarbonate molds (US, 4–6 week lead time)
ModelCustom CC-debossed molds: square (dark), dome (milk), small round (white) — 2 each, 6 total signature molds · alternative: Chocolate World custom (Belgium, 6–8 week lead)
Price (est.)$300–600 per custom shape · 6 signature molds total: $1,800–3,600
DimensionsStandard polycarbonate mold size: 275 × 175 mm (~10.8″ × 6.9″), 21 cavities per mold at 1.25″ piece size. Custom debossing adds ~$150–300 per shape one-time tooling charge, amortized into the mold price.
Why this oneCustom debossing is the brand investment — every piece that leaves the case carries the CC monogram, which is what makes the chocolate visually identifiable on the boards and in the retail box. Tomric is the closer (US) supplier and integrates with your other Tomric purchases (vibration table, tempering machine). Order 2 of each shape for parallel workflow — while one mold sets, the other is being filled. Lead time is 4–8 weeks so order at the same time as the marble fabrication.

Slot 19b — Standard Mold Library & Smallwares

Standard polycarbonate molds + chocolatier smallwares

Slot 19b
Working inventory for seasonal pieces, limited editions, classes · Standard polycarbonate molds · off-the-shelf, no custom tooling
Recommended — Tomric / Chocolate World standard mold library + chocolatier smallwares kit
ModelStandard molds (~40–50 pieces, mix of shapes/sizes for seasonal use): $20–60 each · smallwares: Matfer scrapers, offset spatulas, dipping forks, gloves, thermometers, scales, palette knives, transfer sheets, bench brushes, packaging boxes
Price (est.)Standard molds (45 ct): $1,200–2,400 · smallwares opening kit: $400–800 · combined $1,600–3,200
StorageStored on prep-table undershelf (mold rack) and inside reach-in (transfer sheets, decoration items needing temperature stability). Smallwares hung on French cleat above prep table or in drawer-style organizer.
Why this oneStandard molds are commodity items — buy a working library at opening that lets the chocolatier rotate through seasonal pieces (Easter eggs, Halloween shapes, Valentine’s hearts, holiday assortments) without ordering custom each time. The smallwares kit is the chocolatier’s daily toolkit; lock in a budget number and let them spec the actual brands once hired (Matfer-Bourgeat is the safe default, but each chocolatier has preferences).

Slot 19 Summary

ItemRecommendationEst. price
Custom CC-debossed signature molds (6 ct)Tomric Systems custom polycarbonate (4–6 week lead)$1,800–3,600
Standard mold library (~45 ct)Tomric / Chocolate World standard polycarbonate$1,200–2,400
Chocolatier smallwares opening kitMatfer-Bourgeat default, chocolatier to spec$400–800
Slot 19 total (low–high)$3,400–6,800

Order Timing & Coordination

Related Pages

For the chocolate prep room layout and surrounding equipment (Selmi tempering machine, vibration table, marble work surface, mini-split, dehumidifier, reach-ins), see the Chocolate Prep Area page. For ganache production using these molds (shell-fill-cap workflow), see the Ganache Production page.

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