Mantle's 3D Process Prints, Shapes and Sinters Precision Steel Components

Mantle has announced the commercial launch and availability of its metal 3D printing technology for toolmaking. The system simplifies how mold tool components are made and accelerates how manufacturers making molded parts -- a $265 billion market -- go from product idea to launch.

Mantle's technology reduces the time to create tooling components by eliminating or reducing many of the operations traditionally required to make precise, durable steel tool components.

Westminster Tool, a precision moldbuilder in Plainfield, Connecticut, installed a beta system and is integrating it into its moldmaking operations. "Mantle far surpasses any additive metal technology that we have seen previously," commented Ray Coombs, president and founder of Westminster Tool. "The precision and quality we get off the printer allow us to bypass many of our internal manufacturing processes, which gives us an advantage in providing a better, faster product for our customers."

Mantle's solution is designed for ease of installation and use. "There is a massive skills gap in the injection moldmaking industry," commented Hillary Thomas, Westminster Tool vice president. "Mantle's technology is so simple to use that, with minimal training, we can have someone operating and running this machine. Mantle will help Westminster Tool change how we do business."

Mantle's system and patented TrueShape technology include:

• The P-200 printer, a hybrid system built on a CNC platform that integrates printing and machining to produce parts with the accuracy and surface finish required for tooling. The P-200 printer has a build volume of 200mm x 200mm x 150mm.


Fathom Manufacturing cavity and core inserts as printed with Mantle's TrueShape metal 3D printing technology (left). Cavity and core inserts after Fathom finished the printed inserts and assembled them in their modular mold system (right).

 

 

 

 

• The F-200 furnace, which sinters parts from the printer and produces tooling components that are durable and accurate. One furnace can sinter multiple parts and can support multiple printers.
• Two tool steel materials, H13 and P2X (a steel comparable to P20), that are durable, stable, and perform like traditional tool steels with secondary operations like machining, polishing, coating, and laser welding.
• Easy-to-use software that automates the printing process, including the generation of all toolpaths and machine instructions.]/li]

Delivery of the first production systems is planned for the first half of 2023.

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