Abstract: A tire mold having relatively reciprocable first and second mold halves is provided with a heat shield which includes first and second relatively reciprocable shield members. One of these shield members is fixedly secured to one of the mold halves; the other shield member is fixedly secured to the other mold half. The shield members are spaced from the mold halves so that they enclose a space which surrounds the mold halves. A vacuum tight seal between the shield members is provided. A nipple which is adapted to be connected to a source of vacuum extends through one of the shield members so that the space enclosed by the shield members can be placed under vacuum, thereby inhibiting heat transfer to the atmosphere surrounding the apparatus. Heat transfer is further inhibited by the thin reflective chrome plate layer on the inside wall surfaces of both heat shield members. Preferably the mold halves are arranged one above the other and each is secured to a platen.