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AM Inserts for Test Tubes

Test tubes come in a wide range of sizes based on a standard form factor and their small diameter, long length and thin walled design can result in slower molding processes.  The adoption of additive manufacturing (metal 3D printing) has proven to be successful in reducing both cycle times and scrap rates associated with molding these parts.

Benefits of AM (compared to conventional cooling)

• Improved cycle time –  one recent case study resulted in a -30 % cycle time reduction compared to conventional drilled channels and fountain cooling.
• Improved part tolerances – conformal cooling solutions result in a uniform surface temperature across the surface of the insert, resulting in reduced part deformation and lower scrap rates.
• Improved polishability – our AM print materials very low levels of porosity allowing our inserts to achieve the highest levels of polishability (SPI Gr A-1).

Benefits of AM Corrax (compared to AM 1.2709 + nickel coating)

• AM 1.2709 + nickel coating achieved 400.000 before failure due to corrosion cracking in the cooling channels.
• AM Corrax achieved 800.000+ shots before failure due to wear – further improvement possible with PVD coating.

Product Material

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polystyrene (PS)

Recommended AM Print Material

• UDDEHOLM CORRAX for AM
• BÖHLER M789 AMPO