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/diy/ - Do It Yourself

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788787 No.788787 [Reply] [Original]

So is there any reason to buy a 3d printer over an injection molding machine? Moreover, do any of you have a preference of brand or device?

>> No.788792

molds are expensive. and only good for one job.

molds are trickier to use. I mean once you get the heat, flow rate and back pressure dialed in it might be easier.

>> No.788811

>>788792

Faster cycle times too, but that only matters if you want hundred or thousands of parts.

>> No.788844
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788844

>>788787
>>So is there any reason to buy a 3d printer over an injection molding machine?
There are two big reasons:
1. when you need to do a low production run, like 1000 or less parts
2. when you need parts with geometry that can't be made any other way.

Injection molding isn't inherently better than 3d printing and vice versa. They are both tools for getting the job done and it really depends on what the job is.

>> No.788845

>>788844
guess it depends a lot on size as well. small molds could be a hundred bucks or less if you're willing to use a cavity with epoxy

>> No.788846

>>788844
>you needs parts with geometry made any other way

I don't think anon is making a lot of turbine blades with integral cooling channels with his $1000 printer

>> No.788872

>>788846
not with that attitude

>> No.788885

>>788846
It's actually damn near trivial to make parts that can't be made by injection molding or that would require extremely complex mold strategies. Variable thickness walls, 0 draft or undercut features, inset snap-fit retaining clips...

>> No.788902

>>788846
I actually want to make a turbine wheel from an 3d printed model by investment casting

>> No.789123
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789123

>>788787
>So is there any reason to buy a 3d printer over an injection molding machine?

Yes. Size of part and complexity of its geometry.

Manual Injection (like your pic) is fine for small parts: it's quick and parts are stronger than FDM. But anything large or complex needs to be done in small parts and assembled.

It depends on what you're trying to accomplish really.

I've made minis with a homemade moulder, which even though they're gay and shitter than Resin in everyway- are still beyond what an FDM printer can do, as far as I'm aware. They're also made straight from shredded trash.