Integrating 3D Printing with Injection Molding for Improved Manufacturing Efficiency

Kód výsledku v IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F49777513%3A23210%2F25%3A43975995" target="_blank" >RIV/49777513:23210/25:43975995 - isvavai.cz</a>

Výsledek na webu

<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/17/14/1935" target="_blank" >https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/17/14/1935</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym17141935" target="_blank" >10.3390/polym17141935</a>

Jazyk výsledku

angličtina

Název v původním jazyce

Integrating 3D Printing with Injection Molding for Improved Manufacturing Efficiency

Popis výsledku v původním jazyce

This study investigates a hybrid manufacturing approach that combines 3D printing and injection molding to extend the limitations of each individual technique. Injection molding is often limited by high initial tooling costs, long lead times, and restricted geometric flexibility, whereas 3D-printed molds tend to suffer from material degradation, extended cooling times, and lower surface quality. By integrating 3D-printed molds into the injection-molding process, this hybrid method enables the production of complex geometries with improved cost-efficiency. The approach is demonstrated using a range of polymeric materials, including ABS, nylon, and polyurethane foam-each selected to enhance the mechanical and thermal performance of the final products. Finite element method (FEM) analysis was conducted to assess thermal distribution, deformation, and stress during manufacturing. Results indicated that both temperature and stress remained within safe operational limits for 3D-printed materials. An economic analysis revealed substantial cost savings compared to fully 3D-printed components, establishing hybrid manufacturing as a viable and scalable alternative. This method offers broad industrial applicability, delivering enhanced mechanical properties, design flexibility, and reduced production costs.

Název v anglickém jazyce

Integrating 3D Printing with Injection Molding for Improved Manufacturing Efficiency

Popis výsledku anglicky

This study investigates a hybrid manufacturing approach that combines 3D printing and injection molding to extend the limitations of each individual technique. Injection molding is often limited by high initial tooling costs, long lead times, and restricted geometric flexibility, whereas 3D-printed molds tend to suffer from material degradation, extended cooling times, and lower surface quality. By integrating 3D-printed molds into the injection-molding process, this hybrid method enables the production of complex geometries with improved cost-efficiency. The approach is demonstrated using a range of polymeric materials, including ABS, nylon, and polyurethane foam-each selected to enhance the mechanical and thermal performance of the final products. Finite element method (FEM) analysis was conducted to assess thermal distribution, deformation, and stress during manufacturing. Results indicated that both temperature and stress remained within safe operational limits for 3D-printed materials. An economic analysis revealed substantial cost savings compared to fully 3D-printed components, establishing hybrid manufacturing as a viable and scalable alternative. This method offers broad industrial applicability, delivering enhanced mechanical properties, design flexibility, and reduced production costs.

Druh

J_imp - Článek v periodiku v databázi Web of Science

CEP obor

—

OECD FORD obor

20301 - Mechanical engineering

Projekt

—

Návaznosti

I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace

Rok uplatnění

2025

Kód důvěrnosti údajů

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Název periodika

Polymers

ISSN

2073-4360

e-ISSN

2073-4360

Svazek periodika

17

Číslo periodika v rámci svazku

14

Stát vydavatele periodika

CH - Švýcarská konfederace

Počet stran výsledku

14

Strana od-do

nestránkováno

Kód UT WoS článku

001539815300001

EID výsledku v databázi Scopus

2-s2.0-105011414001