A Step towards Automated Design of Index-plate Multi-shot Molds

This paper describes an algorithm for automated design of index-plate type of multi-shot molds for manufacturing multi-material objects. This new algorithm is a significant improvement over previous mold design algorithms and it accounts for constraints associated with the index-plate molding process. Our algorithm works in the following manner. First, based on the index-plate process constraints, we determine whether the given multi-material object is moldable by indexplate process by analyzing the geometry of the object. If the object can be molded, then the molding sequence is determined. Finally, the mold pieces. We expect that the algorithm described in this paper will provide the necessary foundations for automating the design of index-plate molds and therefore will help in significantly reducing the mold manufacturing lead-time associated with this type of molds.