Tooling method speeds up prototyping
Polymer specialist igus has developed a new tooling method for injection moulding which can get custom designed parts delivered in less than 24hrs. As there are no minimum order quantities, speedigus is suitable for one offs, prototyping, low volumes and bridge tooling.
The speed of the process derives largely from the use of aluminium mould tooling, sophisticated CAM systems and rapid quotation and delivery. The designer selects the material best suited to the application, using a simple online selection tool, specifies the required quantity and provides a 3D CAD file of the part. The process has already been in operation with a number of igus' key customers for some months.
igus currently manufactures speedigus parts in eight common iglidur materials (iglidur G, J, W300, X, M250, P, A180 and H2) as well as igumid G, the igus E-Chain material.
Ideal for orders up to a few thousand parts, prototypes or one-offs speedigus can accommodate parts that fit into an envelope up to 475 x 750 x 200 mm, with wall thicknesses down to 0.5 mm. All that is required for a quotation is a 3D CAD file, preferably a STEP file, and the required quantity.
Standard speedigus tooling lead time is fifteen days from placement of order, but parts can be produced in as little as 24 hours (although costs are weighted accordingly).