Modifying an Injection Mold with 3D Scanning

Modification Process

A local injection mold-making company was faced with the challenge of modifying an existing mold for a vacuum cover. Because it was manufactured by another company, they did not possess the CAD data for the mold. So, the injection mold company reached out to us, Applications 3D, to be the solution to their problem. They had asked us to take a 3D scan of the current mold and reverse engineer it. In addition, this reverse engineer model must be modified to meet new needs as well. So, applications 3D was tasked with scanning and creating the new mold based on the customer’s needs with the information provided. With our portable 3D scanning equipment, the injection mold was scanned at the customer site in just a few hours. Now that the 3D scan data was acquired from the old injection mold we could start to create the new one.

Post 3D Scanning Work

So with the 3D scanning of the injection mold now complete, the next steps in the process can be taken. The data acquired must be analyzed to take the proper steps before the modification process has begun. Using features on the injection mold such as guide pins and holes, the data could then be moved into a coordinate system. Undoubtedly this is a necessary component for all reverse engineering projects as it ensures the accuracy of the original part. During the reverse engineering process shared components between the current injection mold and the modified mold were created first. Once that portion has been created the new features can be added based on the customer’s needs.

With the modification of the 3D mold created, the finished IGES surface data, also called math data, was sent over to the customer for use on the mold. They then took this data to program their CNC machine and machined in the new features. From there they then polished and textured the mold to how it was needed and the modified injection mold was then ready to be used in production. Therefore, modification/reverse engineering of injection molds can be accomplished utilizing 3D scanning and can ensure an accurately modified injection mold to meet new needs.

Plastic injection mold- digitized at customer location

Original molded cover for industrial vacuum

Kyle Keiser

October 31, 2023.

Great service and responsiveness. The data they provided was cleaned up well and accurate.

C S

August 7, 2023.

WOW! What a great experience. Applications 3D provided us with the best looking scans I've ever seen. Fast, friendly and affordable. I can't say enough good things. Thanks again Raminder!!

Travis O

July 13, 2023.

Really quick and great work. Applications 3D made sure that I received everything I needed for my project.

Eric S

April 25, 2023.

Raminder did a fantastic job scanning some parts for me. VERY reasonable pricing for the quality of scan provided and the turn around time was ridiculously fast. 10/10 would recommend and will be using again!

Adam Barton

March 8, 2023.

The Applications 3D team is a pleasure to work with. They have provided our organization with 3D scanning, reverse engineering, and CAD model creation services. The pricing is great and they have quick turn around times.

Namsag

January 30, 2023.

I found Applications 3D online, wanting to get an item scanned accurately. Couldn't have been happier with their services. They were fast, great communications, and the end result was excellent. I will use them again in the future. This job was for an individual project and they did not hesitate with their services. It was also at a lower cost than I could find anywhere in my state. Highly recommend their services. Thank You Raminder-Applications 3D

Dan Dwyer

January 24, 2023.

Very professional and in depth and detailed with his work. You might find a cheaper source but not a better one.

Ivan Fucich

September 9, 2022.

I approached Applications 3D with an existing 3D scan file that I didn’t know what to do with. After speaking with Raminder over the phone, we scheduled an appointment same day to review the file. He looked at my file, and gave me a quote for his service - to produce a Step file that could be used to CNC a master mold from the shape that I had scanned. He was finished with the design in 1 week, but there was a slight issue which I brought to his attention, and he immediately worked on creating a solution, which was resolved by the end of that same day!! I honestly couldn’t be more happy with the result, and very much look forward to working together with Raminder & his company again for more 3D modeling work.