What is a pre-press mold used for in relation to rosin pressing?
A pre-press mold will enable you to compact any flower or kief, to make it easy to press more rosin in very little time. It helps to reduce blowouts while improving your yields. A pre-press mold is significant for rosin lovers when it comes to time and yield. When you use a pre-press mold, you can compress loose materials and, therefore, make them shaped perfectly in a ‘puck’ that fits easily in your rosin bag. You can also use the clamp or arbor press for better pressure.
In relation to rosin pressing, a pre-press mold makes it possible to get most of the oil out through pressing, which is ideal for rosin enthusiasts hoping to rake in some profits through rosin pressing.
A pre-press mold also makes it possible to press your rosin at just the right pressure; this is because applying too much pressure can destroy your rosin. Therefore, although it still requires pressure, a pre-press mold makes it possible to provide just enough effort to get the best results.
As there are different kinds of pre-press molds to choose from for rosin pressing, you can press any flower type or kief, no matter the texture. Also, in addition to improving yield, using a pre-press mold means that you can limit the chances of any filter bag blowouts. This is because your flowers are compacted inside a very small puck.
How to use a pre-press mold
The pre-press molds’ usage appears to be pretty easy for most people, and even first-time users. Depending on the size of the prep-press you are using, all you need to do is simply fill up your mold to the upper edge. Most users get excellent results when they use around 3 to 4 grams while using press molds. You can also fill the same amount each time, and add a little hand pressure to produce a perfect rosin coin at the end.
One rule of thumb is that if you use low-quality flowers, you will end up with low-quality rosin – no matter the pressing time, pressure, or temperature you use. On the other hand, if you use high-quality flowers or input material, you will produce high-quality outputs – all things being equal. When using a pre-press mold, it is also essential to work under the right temperatures, whether pressing flowers or kief.
As stated before, the process of using a pre-press mold is quite simple. When using a pre-press mold, you first begin the process by wrapping your pre-press mold’s inner areas with parchment paper. Once done, you can start picking your flower using just the bottom piece in your pre-press mold.
Once you have a pack of flowers, you can then position the Pre Press’s top piece inside the Mold. When you have all the pieces put together, use your press to pressure down the top part of the pre-press mold. Doing this will mold the flower into place. When you complete everything, continue by pushing through the pre-press mold to get the pressed flower out along with the bottom piece.
Is this a form of solventless pressing?
Rosin is considered a solventless process. This means that it relies solely on heat and pressure to squeeze the produce and terpenes from the material source against what many people regard as the chemical (solvent) process used to produce rosin. Therefore, this makes press molds for rosin pressing also a form of solventless pressing.
For many consumers and rosin lovers, the main advantage of the solventless process is that it does not contain any of the residual hydrocarbon usually found in the solvent extracts.
There are different types of solventless pressing as far as making solventless rosin is concerned – flower, harsh, solventless sauce, whipped buddha, and live rosin. However, the solventless pressing process keeps evolving constantly- new processes and modifications are introduced frequently.
The solventless process is also one of the most inexpensive pressing methods and, therefore, the most popular. As mentioned earlier, the solventless pressing method relies mainly on pressure and heat to extract. Therefore approach demands that you provide the right temperature and pressure, depending on the type and texture of the material you are using. Again, this is different from the solvent-based extraction process, which requires some volatile chemicals in the extraction process.
Do you need a rosin bag to use with the mold?
The question of whether it is essential or not to use a rosin bag with the mold is not a new one. A rosin bag may not be necessary when it comes to pressing the rosin.
However, there are many reasons why using a rosin bag is vital in bolstering your rosin’s success. One reason for this is that when you pack your source materials into a rosin bag before taking it onto the press, it is less challenging to handle the material.
Also, it makes it less difficult to control the placement of the materials between the plates – this ensures that not only is the purity of your final product enhanced, but it also improves or increases your yields significantly.
Although anyone can pretty much get away with pressing very good rosin without necessarily using a rosin bag, you will only end up spending too much time to handle your source material carefully. It means that you will lose out on quality control, in turn, will potentially leave your yield stuck inside the material without the rosin bag.
Aside from control and time-efficiency, using a rosin bag also means that you will produce much more transparent rosin. The reason for this lies in the fact that the rosin bag serves as a filter that allows the right ingredients in the rosin to pass out from the source material onto parchment paper while you press.
1. Pollen Press
Pollen press measures 1.5 inches by 2.5 inches. This pre-press mold is made of 100% aluminum material and will help you easily condense your start material before moving to press rosin. The design will help save you a considerable amount of time while allowing you to achieve consistent results that can also increase your yield.
Since it measures at 1.5 x 2.5 inches, the Pollen Press creates a circular puck – approximately the size of a quarter. It means that the press makes a circular puck and fits effortlessly inside a bag.
The internal diameters measure about 1.15 by 2.0 inches and have more than enough space to line the interior with your parchment paper. Its simple design also makes it very easy to use, especially for beginners. Plus, it is also effortless to clean while making for very effective storage due to its size.
It comes in a complete package that includes all the needed accessories for rosin pressing, including all rosin bag sizes. The accessories include stickers, a rosin bag dispenser, quartz pearls, PTFE roll, and a press light. It has rosin storage that includes PEP and PTFE sheets, with small, medium, and large rosin stamps.
It also comes with both square and round cold collection plates, with parchment papers of three different sizes. Included in the pack are rosin bag funnels of three different sizes to give you more options, with limited-edition rosin bags to add.
Pros:
- Minimalist design that is very easy to use
- Easy to clean and efficient storage
- Fits a fair amount of material with different ba sizes
- A full complement of complete accessories in different sizes
- Helps to improve yield
Cons:
- There is some possibility of a blowout.
2. The Press Club 2.5 x 2.5″ Pre Press Mold
Just like our previous entry, this pre-press mold is also made of 100% aluminum. The unique design will save you time and produce very even and uniform results while increasing your yield. Because it measures 2.5 by 2.5 inches, it creates a square slab that goes perfectly inside any rosin bag that measures 2.5 inches by 4.5 inches. Its internal space measures 2.06″ x 2.06″ x 1″ Inch (width x length x height) while the external structure measures 2.5″ x 2.5″ x 1.5″ Inch (width x length x height). The internal measurement leaves enough space for you to use your parchment paper lining.
This pre-press mold also comes with the full complement of all rosin bag accessories and rosin bag sizes. Every single pack contains the following accessories – stickers, a rosin bag dispenser, quartz pearls, PTFE roll, and a press light.
Like the Pollen Press, this press mold also has rosin storage that includes PEP and PTFE sheets, with small, medium, and large rosin stamps. It also comes with both square and round cold collection plates, with parchment papers of three different sizes. Besides, you can also choose from a complete collection of filter tubes in several different sizes. The rosin bags are all hand-sewn with a proprietary pink stitch developed after years of research and development.
Pros:
- High-quality aluminum construction
- Very affordable and easy to use
- Easy to use and makes for efficient storage
- Fits a fair amount of material with different ba sizes
- The full complement of complete accessories in different sizes
Cons:
- It might not be worth it for more than a couple of grams at a time.
3. The Press Club 2 x 4″ Pre Press Mold
Next, we have the 2 x 4″ Pre Press Mold, which, as its name sounds, measures 2 inches by four inches. Just like all the pre-press molds offered by The Press Club, this one also comes with unique rosin bags uniquely hand-sewn with a proprietary pink stitch that has been developed after years of research and development.
It also comes in a construction that is 100% aluminum, and therefore, of very high quality. Again, just like other pre-press molds from The Press Club, this one will also help you quickly condense your start material before pressing the rosin. It is designed to reduce the time spent while giving you more control and increasing your yields significantly. Furthermore, this 2 x 4″ pre-press mold will help you achieve more consistent results.
Its rectangular shape produces a rectangular slab that fits easily into any bag measuring 2 inches by 4 inches, or even larger. The inner space measures 1.62″ x 3.5″ x 1″ Inch (Width x Length x Height) with the exterior structure having the following measurement – 2″ x 4″ x 1.5″ Inch (Width x Length x Height).
The 2 x 4″ Pre Press Mold also comes with all rosin bag sizes and rosin pressing accessories needed. Just like the first two pre-press molds already reviewed, the accessories include the following – stickers, a rosin bag dispenser, quartz pearls, PTFE roll, and a press light. It has rosin storage that includes PEP and PTFE sheets, with small, medium, and large rosin stamps.
It also comes with both square and round cold collection plates, with parchment papers of three different sizes. Also in the pack are rosin bag funnels of three different sizes to give you more options, with limited-edition rosin bags to add.
Pros:
- Increases the amount you can press each time
- Very efficient and easy to use
- High-quality aluminum construction
- Very easy to clean and store
- Increases yield by at least 10%
Cons:
- There is still a possibility of a blowout.
4. The Press Club 3″ x 5″ Pre Press Mold
The next pre-press mold on our list is the 3″ x 5″ pre-press mold. Its name suggests that it comes with a 3 inches measurement by 5 inches and a rectangular shape.
It means that it creates a rectangular slab that fits perfectly into a rosin bag that measures 3 inches by 6 inches. Made entirely in the US, this pre-press mold also comes in a high-quality construction wholly made of aluminum. It means that it is both durable and sturdy while getting the job done.
Again, this 100% aluminum pre-press mold helps you quickly condense your starting material before pressing rosin. It will not only save you a considerable amount of time, but it will also help to increase your yield significantly – at least by 10%.
It also has enough interior room for you to line it with your parchment paper. The interior space measures 2.56″ x 4.43″ x 1″ inches in width x length x height, respectively. The external aluminum construction has the following measurement – 3″ x 5″ x 1.5″ Inches in width x length x eight, respectively.
Its rectangular shape produces a rectangular slab that fits easily into any bag measuring 3 inches by 5 inches or even bigger. This Pre Press Mold also comes with all rosin bag sizes and rosin pressing accessories required. The accessories include stickers, a rosin bag dispenser, quartz pearls, PTFE roll, and a press light. It also comes with both square and round cold collection plates, with parchment papers of three different sizes.
Also in the pack are rosin bag funnels of three different sizes to give you more options, with limited-edition rosin bags to add. Plus, it also comes with both square and round cold collection plates, with parchment papers of three different sizes.
Pros:
- High-quality aluminum construction
- Very easy to clean and store
- Increases yield by at least 10%
- Increases the amount you can press each time
- Very efficient and easy to use
Cons:
- There is a possibility of a blowout.
5. Dulytek Pre-Press Mold
Dulytek Pre-Press Mold makes its way onto our list as the first entry outside of The Press Club collection. This press-mold is available in two different sizes to choose from – 2 by 4 inches and 2 inches by 6 inches. It comes in a rectangular design, which means that it creates a rectangular slab that fits easily into any bag measuring either 2 inches by 4 inches or 2 inches by 6 inches, depending on the size you purchase.
The construction is made from anodized aluminum that is food-grade, making it very safe to use for your rosins. Its structure also comes in three parts and makes it very easy to put together before use and take apart after use. The anodized material also makes it very easy to clean while the design makes for very efficient storage.
Dulytek pre-press mold is also available in two different measurements for the interior and exterior. The internal measures 1-3 inches in width, 4 x 3-3 inches in length, and 1 inch in height. The external measurement comes in a 4 x 2 by 2 inches measurement. This pre-press mold also helps compact your herbs, increases your yields significantly, and reduces the filter bags blowouts. It also enables you to produce more rosin in very little time.
Its easy-to-use design also means that you do not need to have any prior experience before using it. Its simple design also takes nothing away from its durability and sturdiness.
Pros:
- Compacts your herbs
- Significantly increases yields
- Reduces filter bag blowouts
- Made of food-grade anodized aluminum
- Easy to use, clean, and store
Cons:
- Does not eliminate filter bab blowouts
- Some users consider it too large for the Dulytek filter bag.
6. Rosineer Square Pre-Press Mold
Rosineer Square Pre-Press Mold makes its entry onto our list as the first pre-press mold that comes in a square shape. It is available in two different sizes to choose from – 1.5 by 1.5 inches and 2 x 4 inches – but our focus is on the former, as this is the popular size.
This pre-press mold has a straightforward design and yet has a very striking though minimalist appearance. It is made from high-quality anodized aluminum material that makes it very safe to use for your rosin. The high-quality material also ensures that you can use this pre-press mold for most heat presses, although it pairs pretty well with 2 “x3”, 2 “x4”, 2.5 “x4.5” or 1.75 “x5” filter bags if needed.
Its solid construction also reflects that the mold consists of three different food-grade anodized aluminum blocks in black and gold colors. Its high quality also reflects in its smooth surface and a small clearance between the ram and mold. It is very easy to load and unloads, ideal for first-time users, as it will not get stuck during the loading or unloading process.
Plus, this pre-press mold also offers many efficiencies when making your rosin; this is because it produces compacted herbs. But that’s not all – it also increases the extraction yield significantly, saves a lot of time, and reduces filter bag blowouts during heat pressing. It comes in a square design means that it creates a square slab that fits easily into any 1.5 by 1.5 bag or bigger.
Pros:
- Reduces filter bag blowouts during heat pressing
- Saves a lot of time
- Increases the extraction yield significantly
- Made of high-quality anodized food-grade aluminum material
- Very easy to load and unload without getting stuck in the process
Cons:
- Does not eliminate blowouts during heat pressing
7. Lunlida 2 by 4 Inches Pre-Press Mold
The next product to make it onto our list is the Lunlida 2 by 4 Inches Pre-Press Mold. Like the previous pre-press mold products already reviewed, this one is also made from high-quality anodized aluminum material, making it very safe for producing your rosin. It also comes in a rectangular design that produces a rectangular slab that easily fits into any filter bag measuring 2 inches or bigger.
Lunlida 2 by 4 Inches Pre-Press Mold has racked up quite a number of thumbs up on its reviews as it offers a lot of ease and efficiency when it comes to using. It comes with a hard anodizing technology, making the surface look a bit darker but much more challenging.
The anodizing effect also means that it is easy to both load and unload without getting stuck or producing a single scratch. The whole pre-press mold is made of high quality 6061 aluminum and processed by CNC machinery that gives it a beautiful appearance while ensuring that it is environment friendly. And, of course, using this pre-press mold also means that you save up on time and effort while increasing your yield. Plus, this pre-press mold also offers a lot of efficiency when making your rosin; this is because it produces compacted herbs.
Pros:
- Reduces filter bag blowouts during heat pressing
- Saves a lot of time
- Increases the extraction yield significantly
- Made of high-quality anodized food-grade aluminum material
- Very easy to load and unload without getting stuck in the process
Cons:
- Does not eliminate blowouts during heat pressing
8. 30 mm Cylinder Pres-Press Mold
This cylinder pre-press mold makes its entry onto our list as the first mold shaped in the form of a cylinder. As its name suggests, it measures 30 mm and is made of stainless steel. Its cylinder shape means that it produces a round-shaped puck that pairs very well with 2 x 4 inches or 2 x 4.5 inches rosin bags.
This pre-press mold also comes in a three-piece design, with the cylinder mold being made of food-grade 304 stainless steel. It comes with 0.15 mm between the gap. And this small gap cylinder mold suits the production with all kinds of materials. It comes with a rubber mallet that is required to strike the material after loading it.
Each pack of this pre-press mold also comes with a PVC sheet included, which can be cut or folded to help you open the bags for loading your material more quickly. It means that you can also save up on bags, as all is required is to cut each bag size to fit. Once this is done, the smaller leftover bags can be used for much smaller purposes.
Like all the other pre-press mold products already reviewed above, this one also helps ensure that you do not waste a lot of time while giving you complete control over the process. It is easy to use and helps to increase your yield a great deal. Plus, it also offers a lot of efficiencies when making your rosin; this is due to the fact that it produces compacted herbs.
Pros:
- Made of high-quality stainless steel material
- Made of high-quality anodized food-grade aluminum material
- Very easy to load and unload without getting stuck in the process
- Reduces filter bag blowouts during heat pressing
- Saves a lot of time
- Increases the extraction yield significantly
Cons:
- Some users have complained that it does not fit a 2-inch press club
- Does not eliminate blowouts
9. Dulytek Hammer Style Pollen/Herb Press
From one cylinder-shaped pre-press mold to another, we have the Dulytek Hammer Style Pollen/Herb Press next. This pre-press mold or hammer style pollen press, also made of food-grade stainless steel material that makes it very safe to use for your rosin. Unlike our previous entry, this herb press is large-sized as it comes with a measurement of 4 and a half inches in height and 22 mm in diameter – although it is also available in a much larger size of 5 and a half inches.
Dulytek Hammer Style Pollen/Herb Press also comes in a design of three pieces that makes it very easy to use. The design comes with a cylinder tube, a rod, and a stand capable of producing round cookies or discs with so much speed. Therefore, it saves a lot of time and effort while significantly increasing your yield by at least 10%. Aside from that, the design ensures that it compacts your herbs and reduces filter bag blowouts when heating.
The internal diameter measures 22 mm (7/8 inches), which is on the larger size and, therefore, improves its production efficiency quite remarkably. And because all the parts of this press mold are made from high-quality stainless steel material, it is dishwasher-safe and very easy to clean.
Pros:
- Large size cylinder improves production efficiency
- Reduces filter blowouts during heating
- Made of high-quality stainless steel material
- Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe
- Significantly reduces production time while increasing yield
Cons:
- Some buyers consider it a little pricey
- Some users complain about the hammer shaft failing to purge the plug
- It requires the use of a mallet on it
- Does not entirely get rid of filter blowouts during heating
10. Stainless Steel Pollen Push Press
Last but not least on a vast list of pre-press molds, entry onto our list is the Stainless Steel Pollen Push Press by Interplanetary Development. This pre-press mold is machined from high-quality solid stainless steel material and, therefore, the most ideal for users with a very high demand for pressing power. It is also an excellent choice for professionals and anyone looking to go a notch above the other products already reviewed.
Unlike other pollen processes, this one does not produce any threading that always ends up stripped. It also requires the use of a mallet strike to create quick and easy compacting.
For many users, this makes it one of the most durable presses on the market today. In addition, it is also one of the quickest and easiest to use. While discussing the ease of usage, this press mold only requires you to insert a hammered nail, and then strike it with a rubber mallet – and not a hammer. This feature makes this push press perfect for anyone with a weak wrist of anyone having problems twisting other types of presses.
Stainless Steel Pollen Push Press by Interplanetary Development design also comes with a cylinder tube, a rod, and a stand capable of making round cookies or discs with so much speed.
Pros:
- Ideal for anyone with wrist pain or issues other types of presses
- Fast, easy to use, and very efficient
- Made of high-quality solid stainless steel material
- Significantly reduces production time while increasing yield
- Significantly reduces filter blowouts during heating
Cons:
- Does not eliminate filter blowouts
- Always requires the use of a rubber mallet
- Some users have complained about a metal blur in the ram
- Some buyers consider it a bit pricey
Conclusion
A pre press mold will definitely make your rosin pressing life easier, and this guide has summarised my ten favourites both in terms of quality and press. Be sure to check out the rest of this site for things like beginners rosin press guides and specific answers to rosin and heat transfer questions.
