2014-09-07 08:15:00
#1
Can injection moulds be produced by a 3D printer?
Can injection moulds be produced by a 3D printer? Have a new pet grooming tool that will need tooling built, I think? Any advice on how to proceed will be greatly appreciated.
2014-09-07 13:29:00
Top #2
I actually 3D printed inserts for injection molding into them. Worked well. It all depends on your shutoff conditions, what material you are molding and the anticipated annual volumes.
2014-09-07 15:35:00
Top #3
Hello, Andrew, of course can be produced 3D printer, but it depends on what kind of part do you need, and ther material, suface finish and material volumes.
2014-09-07 18:31:00
Top #4
Andrew, the production "life span" of a mold should be looked at. No one should buy a SPI Class 101 mold for a product that only needs 2,000 units annually and vice versa no one should buy an aluminum tooling for million + parts a year. There are numerous studies at present on your particular question. A simple google search would provide you some initial directions. I would believe the limitations of a 3D printed mold would be withstanding the temperatures and pressures your part may possibly require to mold a functionally and aestically acceptable part; as well as the resin that would be used in a hand tool application.
2014-09-07 20:36:00
Top #5
Scott, what kinds of inserts are possible with the 3D printing systems? Are you talking tool-steels? I have an application for a simple, prototype tool, all in draw (no cams) I was looking to put in a MUD frame and the 3D printer sales guy I met with (about 30 minutes ago) said it he wasnt sure it was possible
2014-09-07 23:09:00
Top #6
Forget 3D printing, as this is resin-based. Selective laser or electron beam melting of metal is successfully used (I've done it) for inserts, direct from CAD data and allowing conformal cooling. Much better and more even heat transfer is achievable, so better quality parts and shorter cycle times inevitably follow. This is well established to the point that a machine tool manufacturer now offers a combination laser-build (additive process) and high-speed milling. Lego, I believe have adopted conformal cooling for all new tooling. Tool steels, stainless steels, aluminium, bronze and other metals are routinely worked in this way. The more complex and difficult to produce by subtractive methods (milling, “spark erosion”, etc.), the more sense it makes to consider laser melting. If the item is very simple in form, it's likely that conventional milling, etc., will be more cost-effective.
2014-09-08 01:36:00
Top #7
Neal,
I worked with Gary Bailey at XLAForm in North Carolina. He has a high temp resin plastic (540deg) that can handle some molding.
John is also right about the DMLS process. That works great but at a much higher cost.
I worked with Gary Bailey at XLAForm in North Carolina. He has a high temp resin plastic (540deg) that can handle some molding.
John is also right about the DMLS process. That works great but at a much higher cost.
2022-07-15 17:04:46
Top #8
please contact OBJET. they offet material for 3D printer that can be used as insert in mold! it is suppose to be strong and withstand short production.
Iftach
Iftach
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