Build Suggestion: Injection moulding

Hi All,

Just thought I would throw in a suggestion for a "how to" for Plastic Injection Moulding. Both in how to accomplish building of the machine itself and the moulds.

Thanks again.

kidiccurus over 11 years ago

As cool as this would be, I think injection moulding is a little too challenging for even the great lord Heck. Also, I do not feel Ben would find this very useful as he only makes prototypes and very low volume runs for which 3d printing is considerably easier.
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Cancel
michaelkellett over 11 years ago in reply to kidiccurus

Actually you CAN do injection moulding with very little equipment although it's not usually practical. When I was a kid I was given a plastic experimenting set which came with a pair of die cast moulds for tiny chess set and a little press thingy to hold them together (more like a U bracket with a base plate.) You put plastic chips in the recess in the top mould, put the whole lot in the cooker, then took it out hot and wound a plunger in with a bolt and spanner and this forced the plastic into the mould. For the last 47 years I've been waiting for an excuse to try it for something useful. I could machine the moulds in aluminium now. So far I've never found a use for the idea - it's always made more sense to make prototypes by machining the plastic directly - and now you could 3D print as Samula suggests.

MK
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Cancel
kidiccurus over 11 years ago in reply to michaelkellett

My mistake, i have very little experience with injection molding. My point about 3d printing still stands. Also, how old were you, I would have almost certainly burnt myself.
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Cancel
michaelkellett over 11 years ago in reply to kidiccurus

I was about 13 and I'm fairly sure that I did burn myself but not too badly !

I agree that in all but very special case 3D printing would be better.

MK
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Cancel
kingrahl over 11 years ago

In my research for DIY injection molding, I've come across this tutorial http://www.injectionmolder.net/epoxy%20molds-step_%20by_%20step.htm.

Making the mold is usually the most expensive and complicated part of injection molding. I plan to try this method eventually and I hope the epoxy molds hold up to many runs. Although I'll need a slightly larger injector and mold frame than they offer.
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Cancel