3D printing mould technology is an important innovation direction in the injection moulding industry in recent years, it subverts the traditional mould processing mode through Additive Manufacturing, especially in the complex structure, rapid response and small batch production scenarios show significant advantages. The following is an analysis of the technical characteristics, application scenarios, challenges and future prospects:
I. Technical Features and Core Advantages
The future direction of development
1. Technology upgrade path
- Hybrid manufacturing: combined with 3D printing (complex structure) and CNC (precision surface), such as the German
Enterprise landing proposals
- Input in phases:
1. prototype verification stage: outsourcing to professional 3D printing service providers (e.g. Materialise, Platinum Lite) to reduce the cost of trial and error.
2. Small batch production: Procure desktop metal printers (e.g. Desktop Metal Studio System) for rush orders or customised orders.
3. Scale application: Introduce industrial grade equipment (e.g. EOS M 300-4) to focus on high value-added product lines.
Talent Reserve: Cultivate compound engineers who master injection moulding process, additive manufacturing and simulation analysis at the same time.
Summary
3D printing mould is not a complete replacement of traditional technology, but opens up a new battlefield of ‘complex structure, rapid response, customised production’. With the decline in material costs (metal powder prices are expected to be reduced by 40% in 2030) and the maturity of hybrid manufacturing technology, the next five years is expected to replace the traditional mould in 30% of the injection moulding scene. Enterprises need to combine their own product characteristics, find a balance between efficiency, cost and quality, and seize the technology dividend window.