Dimensional Accuracy and Repeatability of 3D Printed Mould Inserts by DLP

Mask projection vat photopolymerization technology provides a method for additive manufacturing (AM) of high resolution surface features. In the present project, the technology is used to generate injection moulding inserts containing a double-curved freeform surface with bi-directional reflectance patterns. Orienting these patterns 0° and 90° relative to the viewing direction generates surface contrast with “dark” and “bright” areas (Fig 1). This allows for incorporation of information barcodes in the polymer insert which subsequently replicates into every injection moulded part for e.g. enhanced product traceability, B2B information or end-user interaction at a significant reduction inlead-time compared to conventional tooling of inserts.