Limited run production using Alumide® tooling for the plastic injection moulding process

Abstract

Existing techniques for the production of conventional steel tooling for plastic injection moulding are expensive and time-consuming. As a result, many new products often do not advance beyond the prototype stage. This paper describes an investigation into the possibility of using laser sintered Alumide® (an aluminium-filled nylon material) in a novel alternative process for producing hybrid rapid tooling tools. Initial experiments performed by researchers at the Central University of Technology have shown excellent results. An Alumide® tool can be manufactured in a shorter time and at a significantly lower cost than the same size direct metal laser sintered tool.