pipeline

Anonymous · ‎10-11-2016

Hello,

I am confused now, having read and watched several tutorials :

1- Are both 3d printing and injection molding integrated successively in the same production pipeline ? or both are different methods of final production ? because I watched a tutorial and the instructor was modeling for injection molding and he applied " draft" in every single extrusion .

2- Otherwise, simply, are there specific considerations while modeling for real time production ?

Thank you very much.

PhilProcarioJr · ‎10-11-2016

@Anonymous

If I understand your question then there are different things to consider.

3d printing does not require draft, injection molds do which is why the tutorial you watched showed the person adding draft to every extrusion.

But your question and answer is a lot more complicated because the answer depends on what your making, how it is being made and what it is being used for.

Also the type of 3d printing has special requirements and both 3d printing and Injection molds require you to keep shrink in consideration.

Then every material has a different shrink rate and size....etc...

Phil Procario Jr.
Owner, Laser & CNC Creations

Anonymous · ‎10-11-2016

thanks for quick response.
I am modeling mainly plastic enclosures for electronic devises. Those enclosures could get some complex surfaces and curvatures.
To transfer this design into real life use, do i really need to care for "molding" ? or my role as a designer ends when the STL is ready ?
Thank you very much for your time.

PhilProcarioJr · ‎10-11-2016

@Anonymous

"To transfer this design into real life use, do i really need to care for "molding" ? or my role as a designer ends when the STL is ready ?"

This depends on your clients needs and expectations. I have had clients that just wanted me to do the finished part and they took care of the draft and shrink, on the other hand I have had clients that had no clue how to add the draft and shrink so they had me do it. Again it just depends...if these cases are just going to be 3d printed you only need to consider shrink.

If I were you I would ask my client how they are going to make these cases, find that out and come back and we can help more based on the requirements of your project.

Phil Procario Jr.
Owner, Laser & CNC Creations

PhilProcarioJr · ‎10-11-2016

@Anonymous

Usually what happens is a designer such as yourself makes a model of a part. This is usually for aesthetics. Then that model is passed off to an engineer to make it work and functional.

Unfortunately in today's world people are expected to be a one stop shop and have to be both designer and engineer. This is why I said you should talk with your client or boss and see exactly what is expected of you.

Phil Procario Jr.
Owner, Laser & CNC Creations

Anonymous · ‎10-11-2016

great, so please bear with me .
I guess I am way behind and a total noob when it comes to printing or molding. I am only a 3d cad modeler .
could you suggest a tutorial or learning path on plastic molds/ 3d printing workflow . Honestly, in my current level of knowledge which does not exceed the cad modeling, i really have no clue how technically communicate with clients.
thank you for your time and consideration.