Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Castings, Molds and Tools
3D printing is gaining ground in production of molds for industrial production. Although
CNC machining is still the most common method. Using 3D printing instead of traditional
production might save both time and money. The German company Seuffer claims that it
reduced the time and money spent from 8 weeks and 40 000 euro to 1 day and 1000 euro
by using 3D printing instead of conventional methods when producing an injection mold for
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plastic parts
.
Molds may be produced indirectly by 3D printing a master pattern on which the mold is
based, or directly where the mold or tool is 3D printed directly. For example it is becoming
increasingly popular to 3D print molds for tire treads (the patterns on tires that gives better
braking and roadability). Methods and tools also differ depending on which material is be-
ing used for production, plastics or metals.
A relatively large field in 3D printing that gets little attention is the direct production of jigs
and fixtures. Jigs and fixtures are used in factories and machines shops. They are devices
that hold in place and support a piece that is worked on in a manufacturing process. A fixture
is defined such as it fixates the work piece while the tool moves. A jig moves the piece while
the tool is stationary. A typical example of a fixture is a bench vise, but in modern manufac-
turing there are all kinds of different jigs and fixtures. In many cases jigs and fixtures have
to be uniquely designed and produced for each new production project, which is why 3D
printing is so useful for making them, saving time and money.
