Watch: Freeform Injection Molding (FIM) Demonstration
Alba Enterprises demonstrates Addifab's Freeform Injection Molding (FIM) process using 3D printed mold inserts at Amerimold 2019.
.jpg;width=70;height=70;mode=crop;format=webp)
Freeform Injection Molding (FIM) is a manufacturing technique developed by Addifab that combines 3D printing with injection molding to provide new opportunities for molded parts. The solution uses 3D printed mold inserts to allow for the injection molding of complex parts resembling those possible through 3D printing. The inserts remain intact after molding, and are then dissolved away leaving the final part behind.
Aside from geometric complexity, Freeform Injection Molding enables users to develop mold tooling rapidly and also alleviates one of additive manufacturing’s ongoing challenges: materials. FIM supports a wide portfolio of injection molding materials, allowing parts that require complex geometry or unmoldable features to be produced with standard plastics.
Freeform Injection Molding debuted at Rapid + TCT 2019, and was demonstrated at Amerimold later that year. Sister publication MoldMaking Technology captured video of Rich Oles, president of Alba Enterprises (an Addifab partner), describing and demonstrating the process with Carsten Jarfelt, Addifab CEO. WATCH
Related Content
-
Copper, New Metal Printing Processes, Upgrades Based on Software and More from Formnext 2023: AM Radio #46
Formnext 2023 showed that additive manufacturing may be maturing, but it is certainly not stagnant. In this episode, we dive into observations around technology enhancements, new processes and materials, robots, sustainability and more trends from the show.
-
Possibilities From Electroplating 3D Printed Plastic Parts
Adding layers of nickel or copper to 3D printed polymer can impart desired properties such as electrical conductivity, EMI shielding, abrasion resistance and improved strength — approaching and even exceeding 3D printed metal, according to RePliForm.
-
Q&A With Align EVP: Why the Invisalign Manufacturer Acquired Cubicure, and the Future of Personalized Orthodontics
Align Technology produces nearly 1 million unique aligner parts per day. Its acquisition of technology supplier Cubicure in January supports demand for 3D printed tooling and direct printed orthodontic devices at mass scale.
