COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF DIRECT METAL LASER SINTERED MARAGING STEEL INSERTS FOR PLASTIC INJECTION MOULDING PROCESS

摘要

y This paper describes an investigation into the possible heat transfer benefits of conformal cooling channels using maraging steel MS1 inserts, which could result in a reduction of cycle times and cost per product, and improve part quality by eliminating defects such as warpage and heat sinks. A manufacturing cost and lead-time comparison showed that a conventionally manufactured insert reached its break-even point after fewer injection moulding cycles than an additive manufactured insert, due to its lower manufacturing costs. During high-volume production, the additive manufactured insert becomes more profitable to use, due to its shorter cycle times.