The present invention provides an apparatus for molding a material such as
plastic. The apparatus includes a mold body, a first plurality of ribs,
and a second plurality of ribs. The mold body includes a molding skin of
substantially uniform thickness having a first surface and a second
surface. The first surface is adapted to mold a part. The second surface
is opposite the first surface. The first plurality of ribs extend from
the second surface. A plurality of thermal conduction surfaces are
defined on the second surface between the first plurality of ribs. The
second plurality of ribs are interleaved with the first plurality of
ribs. The second plurality of ribs include end surfaces displaced a
substantially uniform distance from the plurality of thermal conduction
surfaces to define a plurality of fluid flow conduits adapted to contain
a coolant.