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EIU-Mold Team Competes in the Final Round of the Vietnam Mold Grand Prix 2026

The competition was jointly organized by the Japan-Vietnam Mold Club (JVMC) and the Vietnam Association for Supporting Industries (VASI). It was held as part of the FBC ASEAN 2026 International Manufacturing Trade Fair at the Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC) in Dong Anh, Hanoi.

The EIU-MOLD team participates in the competition.

According to the Organizing Committee, 13 teams were selected from the initial 31 registered teams after several selection rounds. Among them, the EIU-MOLD team, consisting of five third-year Mechatronics Engineering students from the School of Engineering, will compete in the Final Round against teams from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (VNU-HCM), Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering, and other universities.

Actual injection-molded plastic samples and a 3D simulation of the mold at the exhibition booth.

Competing in the plastic mold category, the EIU-MOLD team independently researched solutions, carried out CAD/CAM design, CNC machining, wire cutting, electrical discharge machining (EDM), and coordinate measuring machine (CMM) inspection. The team also successfully assembled the mold and produced actual plastic parts through trial injection molding.The EIU-MOLD team’s 2-plate family mold features two key technical solutions: the application of Banana Gate technology and a Lifter mechanism for handling complex undercuts. The Banana Gate technology helps completely hide gate marks on the visible surface of the product and automatically separates the gate when the mold opens. This solution meets the strict aesthetic requirements of Japanese standards.Meanwhile, the Lifter mechanism is designed with precise angles and movement to handle complex undercuts, ensuring smooth part ejection, reliable operation, and optimized manufacturing costs.

The injection-molded product features a high-gloss surface, precise dimensions, and a completely hidden injection gate mark.

The EIU-MOLD team members shared that, to complete the mold, they received dedicated support and guidance from Dr. Nguyen Trung Nghiep – Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC), and AMC technicians, particularly in operating high-precision CNC machines, performing electrical discharge machining (EDM), and conducting dimensional inspections. In addition, the sponsorship of high-quality mold steel from Daido (Japan) and the support of plastic materials for trial injection molding from Tuan Kieu Mechanical Company helped the team complete its product.

EIU students engage in lively technical discussions and exchanges with other teams.

EIU students receive feedback, guidance, and practical insights from leading Japanese experts.

With the spirit of “Connect – Create – Grow,” the competition provides EIU students with an opportunity to meet and connect with students from colleges and universities across Vietnam. In addition, feedback and insights from Japanese experts during the evaluation of the displayed products help students gain practical experience and improve their technical knowledge.