3D Printed Injection Molds Using Various 3D Printing Technologies
John Ryan C. Dizon, Arnaldo D. Valino, Lucio Souza, Alejandro H. Espera, Qiyi Chen, Rigoberto C. Advíncula
Abstract
This paper explores the possibility of using different 3d printing methods and materials in the production of polymer molds for injection molding applications. A mold producing a cube was designed using a commercial software. Following the standard 3d printing process, injection molds which could produce a cube were printed using different 3d printing materials and 3d printing technologies. The 3d printing technologies used were Stereolithography (SLA), Polyjet and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). A bench-top injection molding machine was used to inject polylactic acid (PLA) in these molds. The quality of the injected parts in terms of dimensional accuracy has been investigated. In some cases, the damage mechanism of the polymer molds has also been observed.