3D printing to drive rapid tooling apps3D printing to drive rapid tooling apps

 ALTEM TECHNOLOGIES, a strategic vision partner of Stratasys, has showcased “Trends and applications in 3D Printing” in a seminar in Bangalore.

The event focussed on how professional 3D Printers could be used in RAPID TOOLING applications like Injection Molding, Blow Molding, Investment Casting and Jigs & Fixtures among others. Recent developments in 3D Printing and Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) technologies are redefining the design and manufacturing processes across all the segments. The event highlighted how 3D Printing offers a fast and affordable way to produce injection molded prototypes.

Ido Eylon, GM (South Asia), Stratasys Ltd, said, "3D Printing is an extremely valuable tool in the injection molding industry worldwide. It can help shorten the overall product development cycle and is more cost-effective when only a few parts are needed. PIMTs (3D printed injection molding tool) can be built really cheaply and fast, ready to inject in a few hours."

3D printed Injection Mold tools are suitable for small production series but since tools cost is low, they are commercially viable also when only a few parts are needed. The Stratasys Polyjet-based 3D printed injection molding tool (PIMT) can be built very cheaply and rapidly, and are typically ready to inject in a matter of a few hours. PIMTs can be used to inject polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, ABS, and thermoplastic elastomers. PIMTs are printed using Objet ABS-like material which is a tough and heat-resistant polymer.