Elastomer overmolding over rigid 3D-printed parts for rapid prototypes
Journal Title: Proceedings in Manufacturing Systems - Year 2018, Vol 13, Issue 2
Abstract
Product designers and engineers can benefit from the rapid production of prototypes with characteristics that closely resemble those of finished products. In the case of plastic objects which include rubber-like surfaces, existing manufacturing options are either expensive or are impractical, limiting their use of rapid prototypes. This paper presents a method of fabricating rapid prototypes by combining rigid and soft materials through an overmolding process, thus providing a fast and cheap way to obtain feedback regarding form-and-feel characteristics during the design process. Functional objects can be also produced using the proposed method, enhancing part design freedom. Elastomers are injected or cast into molds attached to 3D-printed rigid parts in order to form functional soft surfaces. Several solutions of binding elastomer to parts fabricated using Fused Filament Deposition (FDM) are presented, including multiple ways to produce the bonding of materials. Chemical bonding and mechanical bonding using specifically designed geometries or exploiting the interior structure of 3D-printed parts are proposed. Objects made from rigid plastics overmolded with elastomers are produced for exemplification. A time and cost analysis is also included as reference and for comparison with other manufacturing methods.
Authors and Affiliations
Aurelian ZAPCIU, George Constantin, Diana POPESCU
Keywords
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