Additive Manufacturing for Cheaper and Faster Particle Foam Tools and Molds

Already, additive manufacturing is being used extensively in the production of equipment, tools molds and dies. This includes not only the production of prototypes but also the creation of strong, durable and customized end-use parts.

One clear example of this is a recent partnership between German companies GROB-WERKE GmbH and Siegfried Hofmann GmbH, which is aimed at revolutionizing the production of aluminum particle foam molds with 3D printing. The collaboration combines GROB’s experience in additive manufacturing with Hofmann’s mold expertise for the development of more efficient and innovative solutions for the industry. We took a closer look at how GROB’s additive manufacturing technology works as well as how Hofmann is able to benefit from it in the production of particle foam tools and molds.

Demonstrator “Frisbee,” a particle foam component, that has the desired feel on the surface, thanks to the uniform porous structure of the GMP printed mold.

GROB’s Liquid Metal Printing (LMP) Technology for Aluminum Parts

In 2022, GROB, a leading manufacturer of industrial automation machines and systems, launched its first additive manufacturing machine, the GMP300. This innovative 3D printer is based on Liquid Metal Printing (LMP) technology, also known as Molten Metal Printing (MMP). The solution was developed specifically by GROB for the rapid and cost-effective production of aluminum parts.