The 3D printing of moulds used in injection moulding processing
Research Article
Full original manuscript
The 3D printing of moulds used in injection moulding processing
Brando Okolo
Apium Additive Technologies GmbH – Siemensalle 84, Karlsruhe D76187, Germany
Abstract
The possibility of using additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing for the fabrication of moulds used in injection moulding processing has been discussed in this report. Two case studies depicting the benefits and draw-backs of such a fabrication approach for moulds are presented. The role of materials in creating engineering advantage for the performance of 3D printed moulds is also presented. The case studies showed that there is significant economic value in using 3D printing to fabricate moulds for small series runs on injection moulding machines rather than using moulds fabricated from milling methods.
Key words: 3D printing, additive manufacturing, injection moulding, carbon fibre, PEEK
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