Re: [rp-ml] injection molding into SLA cavity

From: EdGrenda@aol.com
Date: Wed Aug 10 2005 - 16:58:05 EEST


In a message dated 05-08-09 19:00:39 EDT, you write:

<< Subj: [rp-ml] injection molding into SLA cavity
 Date: 05-08-09 19:00:39 EDT
 From: do@oxy.edu (Alex Do)
 Sender: owner-rp-ml@rapid.lpt.fi
 Reply-to: do@oxy.edu
 To: rp-ml@rapid.lpt.fi
 
 I once read a journal paper (International Conference on RP) about some grad
 student who coated Z-Corp plaster mold cavities and injection molded into
 them but I was dubious about his description of the outcome.
  
 I'd like to try something similar with SLA. I'm proposing to create a
 core/cavity set that can be secured to aluminum blocks for molding (mainly
 for mold design review) with a very small injection molding press. Since
 SLA materials are not thermoplastics, the worst thing that will happen is
 that the polymer (I'll probably use ABS) will stick to the mold or the mold
 surface will oxidize and degrade from the heat/pressure.
  
 What do people think about trying this out with Somos Nanoform which is
 post-cured? SLA is getting so much cheaper now than it used to be that
 this could be a neat way to "prototype" molds in the future. I'll probably
 just use Quickparts.com or some very low-cost vendor since this is just a
 quick experiment really.
  
  Any recommendations on polymers which might not be too sticky?
  
 I'm trying to mold a small flat part which is about 2 in^2 in projected area
 and about .1" thick.
  
 ~alex
  
 Alexander Do
 Research Assistant
 Ford Prototyping Studio
 University of California, Berkeley
 http://kingkong.me.berkeley.edu <http://kingkong.me.berkeley.edu/>
 2117 Etcheverry Hall
 Berkeley, CA 94720-1750
 (510) 643 9486
  
>>
Alexander:

There's a lot of info on this available. Check our Bibliography for articles
and also in particular this very recent article about using filled DSM
materials:

http://home.att.net/~edgrenda/pow/pow49.htm

There's contact info there and a ref to a paper from DSM, as well.

Regards,

Ed Grenda
Castle Island Co.
781-646-6280 (voice or fax)
EdGrenda@aol.com (email)

The Worldwide Guide to Rapid Prototyping
http://home.att.net/~castleisland/



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