Until now, you had to choose between 3D printing and injection molding for your prototypes: Either fast and flexible or with realistic serial material. That's why we conducted research together with the RWTH Aachen University for several years to deliver realistic plastic prototypes and small series even faster and more flexibly.

- the next level with FIM (freeform injection molding)

In order to be able to use even more injection molding materials and more complex geometries, we have continued our research and with the xMold resin from Nexa3D we can also offer FIM (freeform injection molding).

One great advantage is that the tools printed with xMold can be dissolved in sodium hydroxide . Undercuts or dfficult cores, which in the past usually led to difficulties in 3D-printed tools, now literally simply dissolved. With FIM, it is also possible to use technical and high-performance plastics (PA66 GF, PPS, PEEK) for initial prototypes made from series material.

3D printing: injection mold instead of part

The result: Our technology. With this new process, we do not print the component, but the injection mold. This saves us time and money in mould making and allows us to use materials with a wide range of properties and certificates in the injection moulding process.

Your benefit: With 3D-printed injection molds, we combine the speed and flexibility of 3D printing with the material diversity of the injection molding process. Safe and reliable thanks to comprehensive test series with scientists from the RWTH Aachen University.

Print&Inject with 3D printing: The material properties are the key

In injection moulding, we can fall back on an extremely large selection of materials for your prototypes and small series. Certified materials for medical technology, oil-resistant materials for the automotive industry or material combinations with sealing function for the construction industry are just a few examples.

The good thing about it: Almost all materials from plastic injection moulding can be used in the 3D-printed injection moulds of our Print&Inject-Technology just as well as in a metal tool.

The advantage for you: With , you can obtain realistic prototypes and functionally perfect small series even faster and more flexibly than before.

3D printed injection molds for complex components

Two- and multi-component parts can also be easily produced in 3D-printed injection molds. Using the process, we can even produce hybrid prototypes from plastic and metal - for example, plastic components with integrated threaded inserts as metal inserts.

 

 

The right process for your prototypes

If you only want to check the shape properties of your part, prototypes from the 3D printer will help you achieve your goal quickly and easily. If you also want to test the interaction between design and material, Print&Inject can show its strength with 3D-printed injection moulds.

Even if you need prototypes made of special materials, the Print&Inject process is the tool of choice.

Comparison to 3D-printed components

3D printing plastic molds compared to metal injection molds

The process also has clear limits with its injection molds from the 3D printer. Components made of PC, PET and PBT can be used to a very limited extent, as these materials will dissolve as well. With reusable tools in the process, the life of the tool is usually less than 100 shots. As no general statements can be made, we will be happy to advise you individually on your project.

 

Is the right technology for your component?

Whether the combination of 3D printing and injection moulding is the best solution for your component depends on many factors. The best way is to discuss your component and your requirements for your prototypes or small series together.

Give us a call: +49 2451 91001-0 or send us an email: printandinject@sk-industriemodell.de