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Molds can be really complex tools, with moving parts and coolant ducts. Designing one isn't easy, and machining definitely also isn't. Probably the material co
by luplex 6y ago
Molds can be really complex tools, with moving parts and coolant ducts.
Designing one isn't easy, and machining definitely also isn't.
Probably the material cost isn't the problem.
In addition, injection molding machines are huge and complex. They need to melt the plastic and move it into the mold without clogging up and with a repeatable high pressure.
- magicalhippo 6y agoHere's[1] a video with some discussion around the process of designing a mold for a firearm part, from someone who's trying to bring an injection molded product to the market. Here's[2] a video from the actual molding process. This is obviously for mass production, so I guess you can cut some corners for low-volume production, but I imagine designing a fairly proper mold is still required. I'm not into firearms but it was interesting to hear the complexities involved, was a lot of things I hadn't thought about. [1]: https://youtu.be/QmhYMRNzFu8?t=256 https://youtu.be/QmhYMRNzFu8?t=256 [2]: https://www.bitchute.com/video/EMOOqo9G2pPd/ https://www.bitchute.com/video/EMOOqo9G2pPd/ (loud!)
- iancmceachern 6y ago>injection molding machines are huge and complex Or they can be small (benchtop), simple and inexpensive ($1000). https://www.minijector.com/ https://www.minijector.com/ Early in my career I ran one of these machines to mold parts for implantable medical devices. I've also designed tools for them which can be easily machined yourself for a few hundred dollars.