Public molds are industry-standard templates. Manufacturer A can use them, and Manufacturer B can too. Their sizes are usually generic ones like 500×500mm, with no patents—anyone can source the parts and produce them. It’s like buying a basic T-shirt from a wholesale market: the style and fabric are the same, with no unique features.
Private molds are developed and produced by brands that invest heavily in R&D. Everything—from the cabinet shape and latch design to the interface position—is custom-made, and they can apply for patent protection. It’s like a high-end custom-made garment: the fit and details are one-of-a-kind, and no one can copy them.
Public mold cabinets have poor precision. The gaps between spliced screens are so big you could slip a small piece of paper through them. When you display a large screen, bright and dark lines will appear, which makes a bad impression on clients. Private mold cabinets, however, are meticulously crafted, with splicing gaps controlled within 0.1mm.
Public molds use cheap accessories: plastic handles break easily with a little force, and latches become loose after 20 to 30 events. The circuit pads are also fragile—they can fall off if bumped during transportation, and repairs can take half a day, delaying your work. Private molds use thickened stainless steel and die-cast aluminum accessories: the handles won’t break no matter how hard you pull them, and the latches can withstand impacts. The circuit pads are anti-collision designed—even if an LED bulb falls off, the pad remains intact, and repairs can be done in just two minutes. This is crucial when you’re rushing between events.
Public molds seem cheap when you buy them, but the long-term maintenance costs will surprise you—annual maintenance fees can account for 15% to 20% of the purchase price. The money spent on a few repairs is enough to buy another small screen. Private molds are more expensive upfront, but they’re durable—they can last 5 to 6 years, with annual maintenance fees less than 5%. In the long run, they’re much more cost-effective than public molds. Private molds are 20% to 50% more expensive than public molds. For mainstream models like P3.91 and P4.81, the price difference is usually 30% to 40%, and for small-pitch or custom models, it can be 50% or even higher.
Public molds are ideal for new small-scale rental businesses with tight budgets. They’re perfect for small events like small exhibitions, store promotions, and rural performances. The focus is on cost-effectiveness—to get your business up and running first.
Private molds are suitable for large-scale, high-end rental companies that take on big projects like concerts, sports events, and large-scale product launches. They rely on high-quality display effects to build a good reputation, and can also take on special projects like curved or irregular-shaped screens. This allows you to charge higher prices and earn premium profits.
In summary:
Public molds are entry-level options—great for making quick money and ideal for beginners to test the waters. Private molds are high-end options—designed for making bigger profits and long-term development. If you’re in the rental business, don’t just look at the upfront price when choosing a screen; you need to calculate the long-term costs. Although private molds are more expensive, they help you land high-end projects and save on maintenance fees—making them a real money-making tool!
