PROCESS CAPABILITY OF RAPID MANUFACTURING FOR PLASTIC COMPONENTS

The purpose of the present study is to experimentally investigate rapid moulding solutions for plastic components using silicon moluding process. Starting from the identification of component, prototypes with two different types of plastic materials were produced under different vacuum moulding conditions. Measurements on the coordinate measuring machine helped in calculating the dimensional tolerances of the plastic components produced. Some important mechanical properties were also compared to verify the suitability of the components. The study highlighted the process capability of silicon moulding process in terms dimensional accuracy for plastic components. Final components produced are acceptable as per IS standard (UNI EN 20286-I (1995) also according DIN 16901 standards for plastics. This process ensures rapid production of pre-series technological prototypes and proof of concept at less production cost and time.