Igus Cuts Manufacturing Costs 80 with 3D Printed Molds

Imagine reducing prototype validation cycles by 70%, slashing mold costs by 80%, while gaining access to over 50 high-performance engineering plastics to meet specialized application requirements. This technological breakthrough is reshaping manufacturing paradigms through advanced 3D printed injection molds.

Conventional steel molds present significant challenges with their high costs and lengthy production timelines. The traditional process involves multiple stages including design, material procurement, machining, heat treatment, and surface finishing - each requiring substantial time and resource investment.

Modern 3D printing technology using high-performance iglide® engineering plastics offers an 80% cost reduction through several key advantages:

• Material efficiency: Precise material deposition minimizes waste compared to subtractive manufacturing
• Simplified production: Eliminates complex machining and heat treatment processes
• Design flexibility: Enables complex geometries without traditional manufacturing constraints
• Rapid modifications: Design changes require only digital model adjustments rather than complete remanufacturing

In competitive markets, speed-to-market is crucial. Traditional mold production often requires weeks or months, creating significant delays in product development cycles. The additive manufacturing approach provides substantial time savings through:

• Rapid prototyping for design validation
• Quick design iterations and optimizations
• Faster transition to mass production

This accelerated timeline provides manufacturers with greater responsiveness to market demands and opportunities for rapid production scaling when needed.

The iglide® material portfolio offers specialized solutions for demanding applications, with properties including:

• Self-lubricating characteristics eliminating maintenance requirements
• Superior corrosion resistance for harsh environments
• 80% weight reduction compared to metal alternatives
• Precisely predictable service life through rigorous testing

Material options span high-temperature resistance, chemical compatibility, electrical conductivity, and food-grade certifications - each developed through extensive research and testing.

Comprehensive testing protocols evaluate material performance under simulated real-world conditions, including:

• Wear resistance analysis
• Friction coefficient measurement
• Temperature extremes testing
• Corrosion resistance evaluation
• Long-term durability assessments

These rigorous testing methodologies provide reliable performance data and lifespan predictions for engineering applications.

The technology demonstrates value across multiple sectors:

• Automotive: Interior components with reduced weight and cost
• Electronics: Connectors requiring specialized material properties
• Medical: Biocompatible device components
• Industrial Automation: Durable machine parts with maintenance-free operation

This manufacturing innovation combines economic benefits with technical performance, offering manufacturers new possibilities in product development and production efficiency.