Damir Godec

Influence of hybrid mould on moulded parts properties

Purpose – This paper aims to emphasize compared experimental analysis of influence of hybrid and classic moulds on the properties of moulded parts and the processing parameters. Such analysis enables optimization of processing parameters in case of the hybrid mould.Design/methodology/approach – Representative moulded part and appropriate hybrid and classic moulds have been designed and manufactured. The experimental work contains a screening design and the main central composite design for analysing the performance of both moulds and moulded parts properties. In case of hybrid mould a numerical optimization of processing parameters was used.Findings – It was found that hybrid moulds can be successfully applied for production of thin‐wall moulded parts with some limitations. The compressibility of prototype mould inserts was higher compared to classic inserts. The differences in thermal properties of mould inserts materials result in different moulded part properties and mould cavity wall temperature field...

Application Of Moldex3D For Thin‐wall Injection Moulding Simulation

The benefits associated with decreasing wall thicknesses below their current values are still measurable and desired even if the final wall thickness is nowhere near those of the aggressive portable electronics industry. It is important to note that gains in wall section reduction do not always occur without investment, in this case, in tooling and machinery upgrades. Equally important is the fact that productivity and performance benefits of reduced material usage, fast cycle times, and lighter weight can often outweigh most of the added costs. In order to eliminate unnecessary mould trials, minimize product development cycle, reduce overall costs and improve product quality, polymeric engineers use new CAE technology (Computer Aided Engineering). This technology is a simulation tool, which combines proven theories, material properties and process conditions to generate realistic simulations and produce valuable recommendations. Based on these recommendations, an optional combination of product design, material and process conditions can be identified. In this work, Moldex3D software was used for simulation of injection moulding in order to avoid potential moulding problems. The results gained from the simulation were used for the optimization of an existing product design, for mould development and for optimization of processing parameters, e.g. injection pressure, mould cavity temperature, etc.

Performance comparison of low-budget 3D printers

Additive technologies have begun its development and application since the second half of the 1980s. The main reason behind that was to fulfil the market demands of increased product quality, flexibility, lower costs, shorter development time and production, as well as small series and individual production. As part of additive technologies, low-budget 3D printers have been developed and are widely available now, and they have enabled a significant expansion of the application of additive technologies for development and production. A large number of low-budget 3D printers on the market make it difficult for the potential investor to choose from. Therefore, potential investor in low-budget 3D printers has to know more detailed their working principle, their construction, materials that they can process and the errors and problems of their technology that occur during processing. In the paper, two most popular low-budget 3D printers MakerBot Replicator 2X and Ultimaker Original was chosen for a detailed co...