The Application of the Z-Corps 3D-Printing System for the Manufacture of Rapid Tooling inserts, for the Production Polymer Injection Moulded Parts

摘要

This paper investigates the utilisation of Z-Corps low cost 3D printing process to produce direct polymer injection moulding tool inserts for fast low, cost aesthetic components.ududRapid Tooling using rapid prototyping methods such as SLAs’ AIM and SLSs’ Rapid steel has been used to produce plastic injection mould tools.ududThe application of 3D printing utilising plaster based materials and hardeners for direct injection moulding is investigated. The investigation focuses upon the feasibility, repeatability, accuracy and moulding process.ududThe application is to create low cost aesthetic parts in durable engineering polymers directly in hours rather than weeks.