Question

Protolabs is one of the companies changing the economics of injection molding by 3d printing

molds. Why does this change the cost reckoning of injection molded parts?

Answer 1

In normal Injection molding process two parts of the mold are clamped together in standard IM equipment, and molten material is injected into the mold. Once the part is cooled, it is removed from the mold.

Although 3D molding requires an injection molded press, it doesn’t necessarily follow all of the rules and techniques of traditional Injection molding. The molding conditions and settings are very different than they would be with metal tools. The process steps outside a lot of conventional injection molding.

Difference between Injection molding and 3D print is speed and cost.

There will be lots of cost cutting in terms of energy and monetory. What makes 3D printed molds really appealing is you can mold out of Digital ABS material without having to make a large capital investment in aluminum or P20 steel tooling. 3D molds cost 60 to 75 percent less than aluminum molds.

For some prototype work, you cannot spend half of your production budget. At this 3D print molds saves us by reducing the cost of the manufacturing. You can also modify the tool after its production. 3D molds can help identify potential problems with your design or tooling prior to building expensive production tools.