Hi there,
This is Bogdan from Romania.
I'm a mechanical engineer - specialized in the industrial robotic field, 3D designer, industrial designer and, 3D modeler.
For some of my projects, I'm also doing the physical prototype too.
I'm doing product design, industrial design, reverse engineering, ideation, etc.
I have over 15 years of experience working on various systems/devices across multiple industries, from concept to launch.
1 - the halves should be supported in a rigid frame which to allow closing and also standing in the right position. for this, the best solution would be a stainless steel frame, with the proper hinges and locker
2 - as you use silicone for baking cookies, the only solution is to use the appropriate oil (butter, palm, cocoa) to avoid sticking. if the halves were made in metal the solution was to apply a teflon film on them. it is also possible to have (if the shape allows) the mold out of teflon (it is also temperature resistant, good for cleaning, and no sticking)
3 - the molds is advisable to have a lip around the matting plane in order not to expand when the cookies inflate in the oven
4 - it is possible to make the prototype and testing - will be a lot of fun for my wife and daughter :) , but need to be discussed separately...
For any more questions, we could chat here, including the whole details of the project, final price, time frame, deliverables, etc, etc...
Regards
Bogdan