Watch: Freeform Injection Molding (FIM) Demonstration
Alba Enterprises demonstrates Addifab's Freeform Injection Molding (FIM) process using 3D printed mold inserts at Amerimold 2019.
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Freeform Injection Molding uses a 3D printed insert (right) to injection mold complex parts. The insert remains with the part when it emerges from the press (left) and can then be dissolved away. See the process or read more.
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Freeform Injection Molding (FIM) is a manufacturing technique developed by Addifab that combines 3D printing with injection molding to provide new opportunities for molded parts. The solution uses 3D printed mold inserts to allow for the injection molding of complex parts resembling those possible through 3D printing. The inserts remain intact after molding, and are then dissolved away leaving the final part behind.
Aside from geometric complexity, Freeform Injection Molding enables users to develop mold tooling rapidly and also alleviates one of additive manufacturing’s ongoing challenges: materials. FIM supports a wide portfolio of injection molding materials, allowing parts that require complex geometry or unmoldable features to be produced with standard plastics.
Freeform Injection Molding debuted at Rapid + TCT 2019, and was demonstrated at Amerimold later that year. Sister publication MoldMaking Technology captured video of Rich Oles, president of Alba Enterprises (an Addifab partner), describing and demonstrating the process with Carsten Jarfelt, Addifab CEO. WATCH
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