COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF DIRECT METAL LASER SINTERED MARAGING STEEL INSERTS FOR PLASTIC INJECTION MOULDING PROCESS

This paper describes an investigation into the possible heat transfer benefits of conformal cooling channels using maraging steel MS1 inserts, which could result in a reduction of cycle times and cost per product, and improve part quality by eliminating defects such as warpage and heat sinks. A manufacturing cost and lead-time comparison showed that a conventionally manufactured insert reached its break-even point after fewer injection moulding cycles than an additive manufactured insert, due to its lower manufacturing costs. During high-volume production, the additive manufactured insert becomes more profitable to use, due to its shorter cycle times.