A rapid mould‐making system: material properties and design considerations

Presents the mechanical properties of a new mould‐making material, proposed for producing rapidly prototyped injection mould inserts for plastics by selective laser sintering. Explains that although the strength of this material is far below that of the tool steel usually used to fabricate moulds, design calculations indicate that it can still be used for mould insert production. Points out that the thermal conductivity of this material is lower than that for steel but higher than that for plastic melts. Indicates from the calculations that proper choices of conduction length and cycle time can minimize differences, relative to steel moulds, in the operational behaviour of moulds made of the new material. Discusses the longevity of example moulds.