Optimize the performance of cooling channel of injection mold made by 3D selective laser sintering technology

Abstract

The conventional cooling channel system manufactured by straightthrough drilling does not guarantee rapid and uniform cooling while
making plastic products with complex geometric shapes. This study
introduces a conformal cooling channel system made by 3D metal
printing that conforms to the surface of the injection mold’s cavity. The
optimum design of the cooling system in terms of cooling performance
and manufacturability for the 3D printing method is introduced through
an example of a plastic product. The research result shows that if the
geometry of the molded part is complex for traditional cooling systems,
the proper channel design of conformal cooling channel can reduce the
cooling time by up to 50%; besides, the product quality is also higher.
This work demonstrates the technical efficiency of 3D printing
technology for the injection mold industry, despite the cost of
manufacturing by 3D metal printing is still relatively high.