Rapid tooling development for low volume injection molding of cosmetic compacts

Abstract. This study aimed to explore the capability of different additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing technologies rapidly manufacture mold inserts for injection molding as well evaluate performance printed and quality molded parts. Fused filament fabrication (FFF), stereolithography (SLA), multi-jet fusion (MJF) were used produce inserts, whereas a cosmetic compact base was selected case part. The results obtained show that it is possible use mentioned tool rapid prototyping low volume production bases using molding. When FFF produced not best surface finish but still acceptable purposes only. vertically SLA MJF with no flashes finish. had excellent thermal properties so apart from HDPE, higher melting temperature ABS also successfully molded. Also highest number 80 good could be achieved.