What is Prototype Mold?
Prototype molding can be made by different methods according to the material and customs to be printed. Although molds can be made with 3D printers today, the high cost of molds made with 3D printers that can produce metal has not reached the level to compete with aluminum hybrid molding.
If a boutique production is going to be made and the production to be performed can be printed with thermoplastic based molds, mold production can offer a very significant time and price advantage.
Aluminium moulding; is similar to the classic molding process. The mold is made with more easily processable material in case of small quantity production. This method is an option because it saves us a considerable amount of savings in production times and costs.
How to make a prototype mold?
In the aluminium moulding method, male and female mould cores are created from a fast-processable material that suits the size you want to print. The geometry of the part you will print affects the amount of product you can produce. Although there are strengthening methods to make the mold surface smoother and more durable, it allows printing in the range of 500 to 50000. It’s not suitable for continuous use. According to part geometry, precision, cost or application, the appropriate method is preferred.