According to Coventry-based GF Machining Solutions Ltd (www.gfms.com/uk), the company’s new AgieCharmilles AM S 290 Tooling additive-manufacturing (AM) system can help tool makers achieve optimised positioning and production of conformal cooling channels in plastic injection moulds and inserts.

As a consequence, heat can be more effectively dissipated from both the mould tool and the plastic parts being produced, resulting in reduced cycle times and improved precision.

Developed as part of a collaborative project undertaken with EOS, the machine is based on the latter’s direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technology.

In injection moulding, the cooling of a finished product can constitute up to 70% of the total cycle time. Using conventional mould-making techniques, cooling channels can only be drilled in straight lines.

As a consequence, critical ‘hot spots’ often remain beyond the reach of coolant. However, using DMLS, tool makers can ensure that thermal exchange occurs closer to the surface of a mould, improving temperature homogeneity and helping to increase operational efficiencies.

The machine ‘wraps’ EOS’s DMLS technology into a GF Machining Solutions frame, creating an integrated bridge between 3-D printing and machining, automation and software systems. It offers a build volume of 250 x 250 x 325mm.

Features include a System 3R MacroMagnum chuck, which can be used in combination with standard pallets, or building platforms equipped with a standard reference element.