Glass pressing processes require a high quality inner mould surface during each production cycle and thus preventing mould wear is important in reducing costs. Thermally induced stresses are one of the phenomena that can result in mould damage. A finite element method model of a stem pressing process was developed as a tool for optimisation of the pressing process. The working cycle of a sixteen position pressing machine was simulated. Both glass and forming tools were included in the model. The calculated temperatures were validated successfully by experimental measurements. Equivalent von Mises stresses were calculated for the mould surface and those locations where the yield point of the mould material was exceeded were identified. The calculated critical locations correspond very well with those regions suffering damage in actual moulds.
