Funktionsintegration im Werkzeugbau durch laseradditive Fertigung

Abstract

Tool manufacturers produce highly sophisticated injection molds as single units or in small lot sizes. They are driven by high time and cost pressure due to the demands of their customers for a short time-to-market and a hard competition with the tooling industry in low-wage countries. An innovation of tool manufacturers to reduce lead time and costs is the integration of additional functions into existing components. The Institute of Laser and System Technologies at Hamburg University of Technology together with Werkzeugbau Siegfried Hofmann and Concept Laser developed an ejection system operating with pressurized air. This system replaces classic ejector pins completely. The integration of air ejectors into a laser additive manufactured tool insert with conformal cooling has no impact on costs. The lead time of the insert is not changed by the additional system. No additional investments are required by molding companies, because injection molding machines are already equipped with the valves to operate the air ejector system. By the use of an integrated air ejector system the expenses of the whole mechanical ejector package are saved. This results into a reduction in lead time and costs for the injection molding tool.