Forms for DIY Injection moulding etc. machines

[hamerflo]

Hello all,

I'm just gettin involved in an art project recycling plastics with DIY machines. Maybe you already heard of https://preciousplastic.com/.

We were wondering about methods to 3D print forms for those machines. I read that some SLA printing with high temperature resins could be one way of achieving this.

https://community.preciousplastic.co...njection-mould

Restrictions, as far as I figured out, seem to be the number of possible injections until the form breaks (possibly 50 to 100 injections), maximal dimension of about 150 mm and the price of high temp resin. Recycling the forms also is no option

How about the learning curve for getting started with SLA printing high temp resins for mouldmaking? Any idea about other methods I might could employ?

For example do I already own two FDM printers. One guy suggested to use FDM prints for high temperature silicone moulds encapsulated by aluminium outer moulds. I don't know how this would be possible with machines that exert pressure instead of vacuum.

We'd be really happy for any tips that help us finding a viable solution

[curious aardvark]

invest in a GOOD PEEK capable printer and print the moulds with PEEK.
this sort of machine: https://minifactory.fi/industrial-3d-printer/

There are hi-temp resins, not sure how they compare to PEEK for strength though.
Also there are largeer volume resin printers available.
The form 3l is: 300x335x200
https://formlabs.com/uk/3d-printers/form-3l/

[hamerflo]

Both look like a perfect solution. Probably I'll be having a hard time convincing the curator of our exhibition to invest something like 10000 EUR. A Form 2 could be an option, though.