SK Industriemodell GmbH has further developed its innovative ‘Print & Inject’ process by integrating Nexa3D‘s xMold high-performance resin. This innovation opens up new possibilities in research and development as well as in the early phase of product development for the production of components from series material in 3D-printed molds. With this further development, the company offers a pioneering solution for the production of prototypes as well as complex and intricate components.
This new process enables the production of highly complex or intricate components with undercuts as well as the precise shaping of prototypes. A special feature of the resin is its solubility in caustic solution, which simplifies the production of components with solid injection molding materials without the need for forced demolding. The lye can simply be removed from the end product after molding, which makes it easier to adapt to different materials.
“We are delighted with the successful further development of our ‘Print & Inject’ process. The use of xMold high-performance resin from Nexa3D has already ensured impressive mold and component quality in initial product developments,” explains Sebastian Krell, Managing Director of SK Industriemodell GmbH. “With the new process, there are almost no limits to the production of extremely complex or intricate components with undercuts or the shaping of a prototype or a new component.”
The advantages of the ‘Print & Inject’ process are of particular benefit to research and development and product development departments. This applies in particular to industries such as the plastics and automotive industries and medical technology. The use of xMold high-performance resin enables both single-use and reusable 3D-printed tools, which saves costs and speeds up production. This also reduces storage and maintenance costs for injection molds or spare parts. The prototypes and components can be manufactured in almost all standard injection moulding materials and produced in very small quantities or individual parts, which optimizes the stocking of spare parts.
The batch size when using single-use tools is typically between 1 and 30. Reusable 3D-printed tools enable larger batch sizes, depending on the process and components. In future, tools can be produced again and again from a single data set. Prototyping can be done from CAD data sent by the customer, and SK Industriemodell offers a comprehensive ‘turn-key solution’ where customers are supported on-site in using the technology.
The ‘Print & Inject’ process was developed in 2017 together with RWTH Aachen University. It enables the production of 3D-printed tools and opens up new possibilities in toolmaking for complex components and in the injection molding process. With the current further development and use of the xMold high-performance resin, SK Industriemodell offers new opportunities in research and development as well as in product development for the production of prototypes and filigree components from series material.
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