Create Your Own Injection Molds, Ejector Pins, and More through 3D Printing
In a significant development for the manufacturing sector, APSX, an injection molding company, has demonstrated the use of 3D printing to create injection molds for its APSX-PIM machine. This (technology marriage) combines the advantages of additive manufacturing for producing complex geometries with injection molding for mass production.
APSX showcases a simple injection mold, 3D-printed using a Formlabs Form3+ with Rigid 10K resin, showcasing a good surface finish essential for injection molding high-quality parts. The mold includes ejection pins for easy part removal, although it may not have the same durability as traditional metal molds. According to APSX, the 3D-printed mold has withstood 500 automatic injection cycles while producing functional parts.
The mold was used with the APSX-PIM injection molding machine, injecting polypropylene at a 65-second cycle time, producing a round part resembling a lid or a gear. Although the initial investment includes purchasing a Formlabs Form3+ and the APSX-PIM V3 (around $13,500), this method could prove beneficial for those frequently producing 500 items or more. Compared to running a farm of 3D printers, this method could offer quicker production and stronger parts.
Similar projects utilizing this approach have been observed in the past, underscoring the appeal of 3D printing injection molds due to their complex geometries. While traditional injection molding remains the go-to method for high-volume production with its associated economies of scale, 3D printing offers faster production times and greater design flexibility, particularly for low- to medium-volume runs or frequent design changes.
In essence, while traditional methods excel in high-volume production at lower per-unit costs, 3D printing injection molds could offer more cost-effectiveness for lower volume runs or situations requiring design flexibility. The APSX-PIM machine, like other 3D printing technologies, is expected to reduce upfront costs and shorten production cycles, making it an attractive option for these scenarios. However, it may struggle to match the cost per unit of traditional methods at very large scales.
- The innovative use of 3D printing technology in the manufacturing industry, as demonstrated by APSX, has the potential to revolutionize finance by reducing the upfront costs and shortening production cycles for low- to medium-volume runs, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional injection molding techniques.
- As the finance sector assesses the impact of technology on various industries, the correlation between the use of 3D printing in the manufacturing process and the finance industry becomes increasingly significant, particularly for companies requiring design flexibility or producing fewer than 500 items at a time.
