Custom made plastics part

[Pict]

Just wondering anyone into molding own plastics part? I am trying to DIY or find a shop can do small quantity, but friends I spoke to all talked about expensive molding cost which is needed for the big volume injection molding.

Some article I cam across talk about rapid tooling method and rapid injection molding method. Any comments on these?

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[Chuck]

Hi, I'm currently machining a mold for some thin-walled plastic parts. It is very time consuming to make the right mold. If you think its cheaper if you make the parts yourself... think again. The parts actually cost lots more. But you do not have to commit to large volume.

There are quite a number of casting materials. However, they are mostly in the states and bring the casting plastic is costly due to the shipping.

Check out http://www.tapplastics.com/ as well as http://www.freemansupply.com/LiquidToolingMater.htm.

Liquid plastic is the way to go. Injection molding is way to expensive for us hobbyist.

[Pict]

Chuck, quite a handfull you provide.

Just wondering if there a sample plastic part onhand, can some kind quick mold be made easily like doing some casting over it? The idea is copying the sample, rather than machining a mold.

I am a totally newbie, and now carefully examining the various mini-lathe and mill as well the all-in-one machine to see which I should invest in. I want to believe that if it is a reasonable good one at least my son is willing to inherit it.

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[Chuck]

If you just just want to copy the plastic part, you can create the mold using silicone rubber. Then cast the part using the liquid plastic. Both the silicone and casting comes in a two part liquid which hardens after a certain time.

You can refer to the Freeman links that was provided earlier for both materials.

Shipping is expensive though. Try searching around... and if you find any alternative... let me know too

Not sure if we can get a better deal if we combine our order?

Anyway, its still a good idea to get a machine if you need to create original parts.

[Pict]

Let me look around. It is a good idea to do a group-buy if they are not available in SG.

But first, got to catch up on the assignment you gave.

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[rickyjfk]

Molding plastics

I'm interested in this molding. Frankly, I am a CNC machine builder. It was too expensive for hobbyist to use injection molding.

I think something like the fibreglass type of fabrication is more appropriate for us.

If you manage to find the liquid plastics, let me know. I'll try as well.

[HZM]

I had been watching video from freemansupply http://www.freemansupply.com/video.htm

They made casting looks so easy

Cheers

Mike