BPF Participates in RAPIDMOULD Project

The BPF is participating in a European FP7 ‘Research for the benefit of SME Associations’ project called “Rapidmould”. The 3 year project will seek to develop an injection mould that is capable of small batch production (of up to 200).

This will primarily be achieved using additive layer manufacturing, which is typically much faster and cheaper than conventional injection moulding tools. The development will be based on materials research involving photo-curable resins, nano-particles and coatings expertise, combined with novel testing methods.

The project aims to increase the competitive advantage of the European plastics industry by developing moulds suitable for low-volume production of plastic parts, at an economical price.

The project will also look at:

• Discovering how nanoparticles affect photopolymers when they are mixed, in order to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of the photo-cured resin and to increase their use as material for prototype injection-moulds.
• Bonding relationship between the different types of coatings and the nano-particle.
• Studying the physical behaviour of the produced moulds relative to the different base and coating materials.
• Developing and validating an injection mould that is capable of small batch production (up to 200) within 36 months of the project duration.
• Using additive manufacturing which is more rapid and cheaper, than conventional injection moulding tools.
• Combining novel testing methods together with materials research involving photo-curable resins, nano-particles and coating expertise.

BPF Members are requested to participate in the project survey, which can be found on the project website HERE

For more information about the project and the latest news, please visit: www.rapidmould.eu

Seventh Framework Programme Grant Agreement No: 605671