I just read an article from the @3D_Hubs newsletter, regarding “3D Printing low-run injection molds”. Actually, I have a real need for a “low-run” of injection molding. Does anybody know a source, where I can order a run of like 100 to 300 parts?
https://www.3dhubs.com/knowledge-base/3d-printing-low-run-injection-molds?utm_source=customerio&utm_medium=email&utm_content=kb-injection-molds&utm_campaign=customer-news&action
great topic- I think a low cost 3D printed injection mold process would make the 3D printing revolution complete at least for a long time.
Seconding that proto mold (proto labs) is the first thing that comes to mind. Otherwise we spend like 2k on a low volume mold in china.
I asked several companies in china to injection mold my part (very little, like 10x10x20mm). The cost varys from 700$ to 1500$ for 1000pcs minimum order.
But I would rather buy only 100 to 300 pcs max.
Perhaps you don’t understand the economics of it… it’s not the parts that cost so much… it’s the tooling and setup work. The machines are automatic…so the per unit price is a function of the number of parts. It costs virtually the same for 100 as it does for 1000… so get 1000 and consider the extra 700 as freebies.
I might add, they’ll make the tooling out of aluminum… which is good for 100,000+ parts. Steel is good for millions, but costs a lot more. When you place an order, they’ll just keep the tooling around waiting for the next order… you won’t pay for it again, but you will pay for the setup.
igus in cologne is offering some kind: http://www.igus.de/wpck/18292/3dgedrucktespritzgusswerkzeuge
@William_Steele The whole point of my post turns around the understanding of the economics behind it. I want to reduce the rather high cost of doing a mold that holds up for thousends bc I don’t need that much. Like suggested in the linked article…
@Niko1 Thanks, I already got a quotation from IGUS. They are even more expensive…
The 3D printed molds are still very expensive on a per part basis. The molds only last a few parts… they’ll quote you 100… but you’ll be lucky to get that. And with the prints themselves costing $500 - $1000, you’re not saving anything.
Why don’t you try casting. 100-300 pcs is perfect for souch technology. Just saying
@Matej_Rozman like how do you imagine this?
No time to give you good answer, just look up on YouTube pressure casting or vacuum casting and I think all will be clear. If you need any more info give me a shout. Out for biking, catching daylight…
@Matej_Rozman But this is the way I do it now. I don’t want to cast them by hand one by one anylonger?! Or am I missing something?
You can speed up the process, multiple pieces in one mould…
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Your moulds can have more than one part - casting ten at a time would reduce the hassle significantly?
@Patrick_Barnes I don’t see, how this could work. The part is rather complicated for casting (see the video above) and the current mold consists of 4 parts, already.
That sounds like a designing for manufacture problem: Without having seen the part in question, maybe there is a way to make it from a couple of pieces that are individually easy to make in bulk, and just require fastening together afterwards.