3D Printing To Revolutionise Rapid Tool Applications

Altem Technologies, a strategic vision partner of Stratasys Ltd - a world leading manufacturer of 3D printers and 3D production systems for office-based rapid prototyping and direct digital manufacturing solutions, today showcased “Trends and applications in 3D Printing” in a seminar at My Fortune Hotel in Bangalore .

The event focused on how professional 3D Printers could be used in RAPID TOOLING applications like Injection Molding, Blow Molding, Investment Casting and Jigs & Fixtures among others. Recent developments in 3D Printing and Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) technologies are redefining the design & manufacturing processes across all the segments. The event highlighted how 3D Printing offers a fast and affordable way to produce injection molded prototypes.

Over 250 engineers from the Research, manufacturing and academic segment who work on rapid prototyping and tooling attended the event and witnessed how 3D printing revolutionizing this field. 3D Printing enthusiasts working in aerospace, automobile and R&D sectors were also present at the seminar and explored how best they can use 3D printing in their area of work.

3D printed Injection Mold tools are suitable for small production series but since tools cost is low, they are commercially viable also when only a few parts are needed. The Stratasys Polyjet-based 3D printed injection molding tool (PIMT) can be built very cheaply and rapidly, and are typically ready to inject in a matter of a few hours. PIMTs can be used to inject polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, ABS, and thermoplastic elastomers. PIMTs are printed using Objet ABS-like material which is a tough and heat resistant polymer. 

Speaking on the event, Ido Eylon, GM (South Asia) – Stratasys Ltd said, “3D Printing is an extremely valuable tool in the injection molding industry worldwide. It can help shorten the overall product development cycle and is more cost effective when only a few parts are needed. PIMTs (3D printed injection molding tool) can be built really cheaply and fast, ready to inject in a few hours.”

Prasad Rodagi, Founder Director – Altem Technologies (P) Ltd., said, “Altem Technologies is pleased to host a seminar of this nature, which will benefit manufacturers and eventually bring in a paradigm shift in the way tooling and manufacturing is done. Altem Technologies’ endeavor is to bring in an industrial revolution in the field of 3D printing in the country by innovating new ideas and solutions to enable manufacturers and product designers to realize their product faster and in an economical manner. The wide applications of this technology can soon be seen in various fields such as consumer goods, electronics, engineering, medical equipment, automobile, architecture, education, aerospace, defence, and design and art.”