NyproMold has had in-house laser sintering capabilities for more than 10 years. As an early adopter, we approached 3D printing with a consistent, two-step strategy.

 

First, we asked how can 3D printing enable a better part and mold design, which could not be achieved through conventional machining?

Second, we wanted to understand the benefit of the 3D-printed part design and objectively determine whether laser sintering is the most cost effective way to deliver this benefit.

 

Printing dozens of identical inserts in an unattended environment sounds like a simple manufacturing process, but realistically, laser-printed parts with their rough surface texture and wide (+/-0.002 inch) tolerances still require heat treat, subsequent CNC finishing operations and polishing to provide the dimensional accuracy, durability and finish required in our molds. This fact, combined with the high price of the material, means these parts can be costly to produce. Bottom line, 3D printing must […]

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