igus offers 3D print injection mould tools
With 3D-printed injection moulds, design engineers and manufacturers can now produce self-lubricating and maintenance-free custom parts rapidly and economically, even in larger quantities
International plastics manufacturer, igus, now offers a service to 3D print injection mould tools, enabling rapid and cost effective production of custom parts.
This new service complements a range of products and services igus provides across the design, prototyping, testing and manufacturing cycle, from 3D printing parts and machining stock bar, to supplying tribo filaments and selective laser sintering (SLS) powders to 3D print with or tribo polymers for traditional injection moulding.
“Injection moulding tools, or moulds, usually manufactured from steel or aluminium for high volume production, can have relatively high costs, with longer lead times.” igus Director, Robert Dumayne said. “With 3D-printed plastic moulds, igus is providing more options for design engineers and manufactures seeking a cost-saving alternative for prototyping or low volume production.”
Now, the 3D printed injection moulds can be produced with short lead times, using the SLS printing process for parts with simple geometries. The moulds are for use in existing injection moulding machines and can withstand high temperatures for several hundred uses, depending on the iglidur material used.
Injection moulded parts can then be produced using a wide range of proven and tribologically-optimised iglidur materials. Engineers are also able to easily iterate on the design, quickly and inexpensively 3D printing new moulds.
With its headquarters in Cologne, Germany, and also with a base in Northampton, igus is a leading international manufacturer of energy chain systems and polymer plain bearings. A family-run company since 1964, igus is now represented in 35 countries and employs around 3,000 people worldwide. The German company provides solutions based on 100,000 products available from stock with between 1,500 and 2,500 new product introductions each year. They also operate with the largest test laboratories and factories in its sector to offer customer quick turnaround times on innovative products and solutions tailored to their needs.
