TECHNOLOGY | PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
company says that one of the many benefits of additive manufacturing is the ability to make tools with near-net-shape cooling. Tools manufactured in this way dissipate the heat generated during the production process directly at its source. This reduces cycle time and improves the quality of the fabricated parts. Conventional methods, such as milling, soon
reach their manufacturing limits when it comes to creating cooling channels, says Trumpf. “The difficulties are particularly evident with more complex shapes. We cannot get the drill into all the right places because we cannot drill around corners,” says Marc Dimter, a Trumpf industry sector manager responsible for tool and mould making. In contrast, 3D printers build up the mould layer
Above: Collaboration between Stratasys and Solvay is designed to expand the range of high performance polymers for systems starting with the Stratasys F900
MakerBot says that ABS for Method has good thermal and mechanical properties similar to ABS materials used for injection moulding applications, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including end-use parts, manufacturing tools and functional prototypes. A 100°C Circulating Heated Chamber provides a stable print environment for superior z-layer bonding, resulting in high strength parts with superior surface finish. Stratasys has selected Solvay as the first
materials supplier to develop Stratasys-approved filament for the high performance F900 3D printer. The Stratasys authorised materials partner pro- gramme is designed to expand the range of high performance polymers available to manufacturers leveraging Stratasys’ fused deposition modelling process using FDM technology in 3D printing applications. As an initial step, Solvay has been selected to help launch the programme and deliver new polymers for the F900 3D printer. “With this strategic partnership, we are combin-
ing Stratasys’ leadership in fused deposition modelling 3D printing with Solvay’s leadership in developing high-performance, AM-ready materials for the most demanding applications in a large number of industries,” says Christophe Schramm, Business Manager for Additive Manufacturing in Solvay’s Specialty Polymers Global Business Unit. “This is fully in line with Solvay’s ambition to push the limits of high performance additive manufacturing.” Stratasys also said Bombardier Transportation will use its F900 3D printer and Ultem 9085 PEI material as part of its operations in German-speaking coun- tries. The manufacturer will produce final end-use rail parts, as well as manufacturing tools and prototypes for trains and trams, according to Stratasys. Trumpf is highlighting significant improvements in cooling properties of 3D printed tools for the tool, pattern and mould making industry. The
74 INJECTION WORLD | October 2019
by layer, enabling the construction of cooling channels that run almost parallel to the tool wall. The biggest benefit is the reduction in cycle time that stems from faster cooling of the tool. In many cases, quality also improves because parts are less prone to distortion. In addition, faster cooling results in more homogenous material properties in both injection moulding and die casting, ultimately making parts more resilient. Despite these advantages, the company says
that German toolmakers have been slow to adopt additive manufacturing technologies. “Many companies lack the necessary expertise and are unwilling to make the investment,” says Christoph Dörr, Trumpf industry sector manager for the tool and mould making industry. He notes that US companies that supply their moulds to Europe have already built up a strong lead. That is why Trumpf is offering the TruPrint 1000 3D printer as an entry-level model. The plug and play design of the system makes it easy to install and operate, and it is particularly suitable for small injection mould inserts such as those used for plastic connectors in the electronics industry. Trumpf adds that by 3D printing a gate bushing, it was able to reduce one customer’s cycle time by almost 30%.
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu �
www.georgfischer.com �
www.addilys.com �
www.arburg.com �
www.eos.info �
www.materialise.com �
www.mimaki.com �
www.makerbot.com �
www.stratasys.com �
www.solvay.com �
www.trumpf.com
www.injectionworld.com
PHOTO: STRATASYS
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