Injection Moulding of Thermoplastics in Hybrid Tools

One of the basic disadvantages of rapid prototyping (RP) processes is still the limited number of materials for the prototype production. Moreover, the physics of prototype production is different than the one for e.g. injection moulding. Such state causes application of RP processes for production of elements or complete moulds - Rapid Tooling processes (RT). Different properties of materials for RT mould inserts than classic mould materials could be disadvantage. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the differences in moulding properties caused by application of RT mould inserts.