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Printing Parts on Par with Injection Molding Using AXIOM, a New Hybrid Approach

May 20, 2020 | Categories: Member News

McKinney, TX, 20 May 2020 – Prompted by needs arising during COVID-19 shortages, Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies developed a new method, dubbed “AXIOM,” that blends the flexibility of 3D printing with the benefits of injection molding.

For decades 3D printing has aspired to produce parts at the same speed and quality as injection molding. Although additive manufacturing techniques are making excellent progress the materials selection, surface finish, and integrity of parts made thereby do not yet rival injection molding. Additionally, printed parts rarely complete with molding in terms of speed and cost when quantities exceed a few dozen. These factors have been highlighted in recent efforts to address PPE shortages arising with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Desiring to quickly and cost-effectively supplement conventional production of PPE, Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies innovated a path for using thermoplastics that are otherwise incompatible with 3D printing with improved surface finish and part integrity (eliminating layers). The new process is called AXIOM, which stands for Automated eXtrusion Into an Open Mold and is enabled by the AMBIT™ XTRUDE PE-1 3D printing head used in a milling machine spindle.

“We have brought together 3D printing, machining, and molding in a new way to supplement supply chains as demand surges. This means producing polymer parts without layers or the surface roughness associated with 3D printing at speeds approaching injection molding.” Dr. Jason Jones, CEO, Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies

Learn more about AMBIT™ products and the AXIOM process by visiting Hybrid’s COVID-19 page or reviewing the webinar: “How to 3D Print arts on Par with Injection Molding Using a New Hybrid Approach” presented on Friday the 22nd of May 2020.

Courtesy of Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies