(pdf) polyjet technology applications for rapid tooling
applying of a release agent on all surfaces of the mould cavity. Using the UNIDOS 100 RIM
machine, the polyurethane resin RG53/ G53 from Sika, was low pressure injected into the
3D printed mould (Fig. 5b). The potlife and demoulding time were the same like in the silicon
mould reaction injection moulding.
5.2 Plastic injection moulding with 3D printed moulds
In this case, PolyJet 3D printed moulds needs to replace machined injection moulds. The
moulding temperature of the thermoplastic materials (PE, PP, ABS, etc) is up to 300C. Thus,
PolyJet injection mould tooling (PIMT) needs to be cool between shots, at a target
temperature around 50C. Digital ABS material [6] is recommended to be used for PolyJet
printing of the injection plastic mould. Its mechanical and thermal properties will offer longer
mould life and reduced cycle times [9]. Depending on material and part complexity, PIMT
are suitable for the injection moulding of up to 100 parts.
6 Conclusions
Rapid tooling based on additive manufacturing is an important method utilized in small series
production where the conventional tooling like as CNC milled and spark erosion moulds are
expensive. RT integrated into CAD/ CAE/ CAM systems allows rapid product development,
low cost optimizing the product in a short period of time, reduce time-consuming mould
corrections and increase product innovation.
The paper presents solution for prototyping, functional testing and short-run production
applications. PolyJet 3D printed moulds are not production tools. Two different techniques
to make moulds with PolyJet technology were experimented: silicon moulding (indirect rapid
tooling) and direct 3D printing of mould (direct rapid tooling). Reaction injection moulding
and casting techniques were used to fill with polyurethane base resins the moulds. The RIM
materials have good mechanical properties comparable with thermoplastic mouldable
materials but the potlife is very short. Cast resins have longer potlife than RIM materials.
Direct rapid mould is more durable than silicon mould. Thus, using RIM technique can be
manufacture up to 50-80 parts in the first case, and 300-500 parts in the second one. The Sika
resins can simulate injection mouldable materials. The productivity of RIM is smaller than
Injection Mould process but the tooling cost is lower.
References
1.R. Udroiu, 3rd WSEAS International Conference on Manufacturing Engineering,
Quality And Production Systems, Romania, 177 (2021)
2.P. Bere, C.Neamtu, Centr. Europ. J. of Eng.,4, 148 (2021)
3.C.K. Chua, K.H. Hong, S.L. Ho, Int. J. of Adv. Manuf. Techn., 15, 604 (1999)
4.F. Rayegani, G. C. Onwubolu, A.Nagy and H. Singh, ASME International Mechanical
Engineering Congressand Exposition, 810 (2021)
5.R. Singh, Int. J. of Autom. and Mech. Eng., 6, 777 (2021)
6.***, StratasysLtd, http://www.stratasys.com (2021)
7.***,Biresin® Low pressure RIM-system and casting, Sika Group (2021)
8.R. Udroiu, A. Nedelcu, Optimization of Additive Manufacturing Processes Focused on
3D Printing in Rapid Prototyping Technology — Principles (Intech, 2021)
9.B.O. Thorsten, The AM Magazine, 6, 8 (2021)
10.R. Udroiu, L.A. Mihail, Proceedings of the 8th WSEAS international conference on
circuits, systems, electronics, control & signal processing, Spain, 283 (2009)
DOI: 10.1051/,03011 (2021)71120301
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MATEC Web of Conferencesmatecconf/201
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Indirect rapid tooling | request pdf
In this article, some common defects, which are caused by material properties, and the mechanism of the defects occur are introduced. Author introduces how these defects are treated in conventional process, meanwhile, points out the disadvantages of the process. For the disadvantages, several special processes are introduced, including gas-assisted injection molding, rapid variotherm injection
… [Show full abstract] molding and hot runner technology, and their mechanism and advantages.
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