Sodick’s OPM350L Metal 3D Printer Revolutionises Moulding Technology for Sanko Kasei

Sodick, a leading provider of high-precision manufacturing solutions, is proud to showcase the impact of its OPM350L metal 3D printer in transforming the operations of Sanko Kasei, a pioneering Japanese company in plastic part production. Combining laser melting and solidification of metal powder with finishing by milling, the OPM350L is setting new standards in mould and moulding technology, driving innovation and efficiency.

Sanko Kasei, renowned for its diverse plastic parts used in industries such as automotive, medical, and machine tools, has been a frontrunner in the use of 3D models for product and mould design. With its focus on enhancing mould production, the company chose to adopt Sodick’s OPM350L to improve its moulding capabilities. The integration of conformal cooling and lattice structure moulds has already led to impressive improvements in cooling efficiency, reduced moulding times, and enhanced product quality.

“We’ve always prioritised maximising the potential of 3D models, and the OPM350L has been pivotal in expanding our mould design capabilities,” says Mr. Hisashi Hashimoto, Moulding Factory Manager at Sanko Kasei. “With this advanced 3D printing technology, we’ve been able to refine our production processes, integrating features like conformal cooling and lattice structures, which has significantly increased both the speed and precision of our moulds.”

The OPM350L is ideally suited for high-precision industries like medical device production, and Sanko Kasei has capitalised on its capabilities to overcome the challenges of mass production of highly demanding applications. Their expertise in mesh moulding, thin-wall moulding, and ultra-thick-wall moulding positions them as leaders in the field, and the ability to design and produce more intricate, efficient moulds has been a key differentiator.

Recognising the complexity of integrating metal 3D printing for mould-making, Sanko Kasei worked closely with Sodick’s expert team to optimise their use of the OPM350L. This collaboration ensured that they could leverage the full potential of the machine to meet their specific needs and achieve superior results.

“The support we’ve received from Sodick has been invaluable,” says Mr. Hashimoto. “Their expertise has helped us optimise our design and manufacturing processes, ensuring we maximise the capabilities of the OPM350L. This level of support is essential for companies looking to make the most out of advanced metal 3D printing technologies.”

In addition to improving cooling efficiency and reducing production time, the OPM350L has also enabled the development of more efficient mould designs, such as robotic suction nozzles. Previously requiring 21 machined parts, these nozzles now require only three, streamlining production and reducing costs.

Sanko Kasei is also exploring future applications of air cooling alongside water cooling, focusing on areas where traditional water cooling systems are not feasible. Through this innovative combination, they have found significant improvements in mould cooling effectiveness, leading to reduced cycle times and less part distortion.

Looking ahead, Sanko Kasei plans to expand its use of metal 3D printing technology, offering consulting services to customers and improving the design and production of complex plastic parts and moulds.

Sodick is proud to support Sanko Kasei’s ongoing journey of innovation and looks forward to continuing this partnership as the company further enhances its capabilities with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.

You can read the original press release here https://www.sodick.co.jp/st_en...