RAPID MANUFACTURING OF MOULD INSERTS FOR TOOLING IMPROVEMENTS

摘要

This paper will summarize some results of two EU projects in the Rapid Tooling field. The objectives are to demonstrate on real case studies the technological and economical advantages of layer manufacturing techniques for mould makers and injection moulders. Cost, lead time and quality enhancements will be involved here. The Hiper-moulding project is dedicated to mould optimization with conformal cooling channels to reduce the cycle time and improve the filling of the mould. The only way to build inserts with such complex channels is to use layer manufacturing technologies (laser melting or sintering, 3DPrinting). Four moulds were built with both conventional and additive manufacturing. In the EuroTooling 21 project, a new process chain was experimented to find a low cost solution for the injection of small series of large parts.