Rapid-Manufacturing-Process for Elastomeric Components

The Selective Laser Sintering Process of thermoplastics (SLS) enables the manufacturing of components with complex shape in a short time period without the manufacturing of a specific mold. However, this manufacturing process is limited by the restricted range of materials. In contrast to this primary shaping process, vacuum casting allows a quick, inexpensive and highly accurate process but it is limited to the reproduction of already existing models. In a novel rapid tooling method, these two processes are combined. Thus, silicone parts can be manufactured using SLS molds. Design/methodology/approach The manufacturing of elastomeric parts in the vacuum casting process using SLS molds is being investigated. Therefore, the adhesion of silicone to the SLS mold, as well as the resulting mechanical properties of the elastomeric parts are investigated. Findings The combination of the SLS process and the vacuum casting process allows the rapid manufacturing of complex elastomeric parts with sufficient mechanical properties. Research limitations/implications The surface roughness of the SLS mold influences the adhesion of the casting material to the mold, as well as the mechanical properties of the manufactured elastomeric components. Originality/value The synergy of using selective laser sintered molds with the vacuum casting technique displays a novel rapid manufacturing method.