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Materials

Design

Processes

Units

Formulas

Math
AIM and ACES Direct Injection into an SLA Mold
  • Tooling Cost: $1000 to $1500 for a typical consumer product part of 5"x5"x3" (12.7x12.7x7.6 mm)dimensions.
  • Production Rate: 10 parts each day per cavity.
  • Tool Life: < 100 parts.
  • Accuracy: Similar to that of an SLA: ±0.005 inches (±0.127 mm).
  • Mold Fabrication Time: 1-2 weeks.
  • Draft angles and lack of undercuts necessary for release.
In the AIM process, the mold is "grown" using the SLA process. The mold is similar to a regular part SLA, but is the negative image and cut into two halves. The cavity can be filled with a variety of materials, including:
  1. Thermoplastics
  2. Aluminum-filled epoxy
  3. Ceramics
  4. Low-melt temperature metals
The AIM mold parts can be used as inserts in a STANDARD INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE. The molding machine can then go through its process quite similarly to its normal operation. This simplifies material handling and other logistics.
 
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Negotiate Your Salary

Learn the best principles to negotiate the salary you deserve!

Essentials of Manufacturing

Information, coverage of important developments and expert commentary in manufacturing.

Injection Molding Design Guide

Guide for high quality and cost-effective plastic injection molding.

Selecting the Right 3D Printer

Discover how to choose the right 3D printer for your needs and the key performance attributes to consider.

more publications