This document discusses how 3D printing can be used for prototype blow molding tooling. It notes that 3D printing is best suited when production levels are low to moderate, multiple designs must be considered, prototypes are required from the final plastic material, and design changes are likely. The key advantages of 3D printed blow molding tools are reduced lead times by 30-70%, lower prototype mold costs by 40-80%, stability eliminating heat distortion, durability through hundreds of cycles, and little to no post processing. The document compares FDM and PolyJet 3D printing processes for blow molding tools and provides examples of savings in production time and costs when using 3D printed blow molding tools versus traditional CNC machining

1. Prototype Blow Molding Tooling
Where 3D printing fits in

2. Barbara Arnold-Feret • Manufacturing manager/GM in plastics and
production facilities, product manager, AE
• Graduate of the University of Missouri – KC
• Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society
• Society of Plastics Engineers
- 2x Chair of the PD3 Division
- Int’l Executive Board of Directors 2005-2009
- Honored Service Member
- President’s Cup
- Mold Designer of the Year 2012
- Various other awards
• Society of Manufacturing Engineers
- Past Chair of Plastics, Composites and
Coatings Technical Group
- Past New Technology committee
- Various other committees
• Over 42 papers and articles
Barbara Arnold-Feret
Over 30 years in
manufacturing in both
metals and plastics

3. Over 17 years
in business!

4. Blow Molding

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3D printing in a blow molding tool
BEST FIT
• Production levels are low to moderate.
• Multiple designs must be considered
• Prototypes are required from the final plastic material
• Design changes are likely
ADVANTAGES
• Lead time reduced by 30 to 70%
• Prototype mold cost reduced by 40 to 80%
• Stability, eliminating distortion with heat
• Durability through hundreds of cycles
• Little or no need for post processing

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FDM VS PolyJet for BM Tool

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When do you use FDM BM tools
When cost is a factor
When surfaces can be less polished

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PJ BM tools

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Savings
Method Production
Time
Cost
CNC
Machining*
Up to 20 days $5,000
Aluminum Mold Up to 20 days $5,000
PolyJet Mold 2 days $280
Savings 18 days(90%) $4,720(94%)
* For 100 finished parts

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manufacturing

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Hybrid tools

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Additional steps

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Case study costs
SAVINGS 18 days (90%) $4,720 (94%)

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