3d printed molds have been around for years, it just depends on the right choice of materials, for low volume runs I have an even more cost effective resin available.
You have more options than this! I've built an entire company to do this. You can print the high temp molds on any LCD SLA 3d printer, like Anycubic or Elegoo, etc. You dont need that special $8k one. You can also have me, at Golden Gate Molders do it all for you, I have 6 injection molding machines 3d printers and a CNC machine that allow me to deliver real injection molded parts for far less time and money than before. We also have a ton of resin in stock if you need to source resins, especially specialized ones for your injection molding project's.
Nice video, thanks John. We are evaluating this technology, and we already thought of 4 different cases where it'd bring value to some of our current projects (not theoretical situations -- real ongoing projects) in different ways. Quite powerful. Our injection molding workshop manager is enthusiastic about it. We are going to run a test.
I have seen Formlabs make a white paper about 3D printed molds. I was excited when I read about it a few years ago, but they mainly discussed doing this with silicone material. The latter half is more challenging, as it requires a manufacturer that can run this mold. It would be cool to see someone like Shapeways add this as a service and have the capability for 2 mold sizes. I have looked into hand press machines for the molds. They can only apply so much pressure, which limits the use of tougher materials like Polycarbonate. You mentioned the Nexa3D. Is that because its accuracy is high enough to create a smooth finish on the resin parts, or is it a fact that the unique materials can only be used with the Nexa3D?
Yeah in the past I've always recommended using soft silicone molds which is also called urethane casting. But this is different since it uses a hard mold and allows the use of production plastics. There are multiple choices for getting molded parts using these mold inserts. The main thing with the Nexa3D printer is it can print using these special materials. This is all relatively new for me too. I had an expert on this tech host a live workshop in my Hardware Academy which where I learned about it.
When at the end you say "if you liked this video the check out this other video", you can't cut it right there, leave it going on the screen for 5 or 10s more because if not, it's almost impossible to click on it.
Wow this is awesome. Thanks for this update. Am presently in search of a cheaper way to manufacture my mold How can i know the companies that offer these 3D printed molds?
3d printed molds have been around for years, it just depends on the right choice of materials, for low volume runs I have an even more cost effective resin available.
True, but what's so shocking to me is that no one seems to know about it. Thanks for commenting!
You have more options than this!
I've built an entire company to do this. You can print the high temp molds on any LCD SLA 3d printer, like Anycubic or Elegoo, etc. You dont need that special $8k one. You can also have me, at Golden Gate Molders do it all for you, I have 6 injection molding machines 3d printers and a CNC machine that allow me to deliver real injection molded parts for far less time and money than before. We also have a ton of resin in stock if you need to source resins, especially specialized ones for your injection molding project's.
Thanks for this! Can you share which company offers those 3D printing services?
Year, would be nice to know.
Nice video, thanks John. We are evaluating this technology, and we already thought of 4 different cases where it'd bring value to some of our current projects (not theoretical situations -- real ongoing projects) in different ways. Quite powerful. Our injection molding workshop manager is enthusiastic about it. We are going to run a test.
Hey Renaud, that's really exciting news! Please keep us updated on how they go. Great seeing you here on RUclips!
@@PredictableDesigns We are buying some of that "magic liquid" to run a test. :-) I'll let you know.
Please make another video on ceramic molds for plastic injection molding
Thank you John for your experience and wisdom. You are awesome!
My pleasure!
I have seen Formlabs make a white paper about 3D printed molds. I was excited when I read about it a few years ago, but they mainly discussed doing this with silicone material.
The latter half is more challenging, as it requires a manufacturer that can run this mold. It would be cool to see someone like Shapeways add this as a service and have the capability for 2 mold sizes. I have looked into hand press machines for the molds. They can only apply so much pressure, which limits the use of tougher materials like Polycarbonate.
You mentioned the Nexa3D. Is that because its accuracy is high enough to create a smooth finish on the resin parts, or is it a fact that the unique materials can only be used with the Nexa3D?
Yeah in the past I've always recommended using soft silicone molds which is also called urethane casting. But this is different since it uses a hard mold and allows the use of production plastics.
There are multiple choices for getting molded parts using these mold inserts.
The main thing with the Nexa3D printer is it can print using these special materials.
This is all relatively new for me too. I had an expert on this tech host a live workshop in my Hardware Academy which where I learned about it.
When at the end you say "if you liked this video the check out this other video", you can't cut it right there, leave it going on the screen for 5 or 10s more because if not, it's almost impossible to click on it.
please link us to those companies
please share the price and links
It's interesting because by its very concept, secrets get out,
Cool!
Heads up - the link in your email about this today went to a different video.
Oops, thanks! I just resent it with the correct link. Cheers!
Wow this is awesome. Thanks for this update.
Am presently in search of a cheaper way to manufacture my mold
How can i know the companies that offer these 3D printed molds?
But if the part is too big for your printer...
Example: UAV