Rapid prototyping just got faster
May 1st 2010 Polymer specialist igus has developed a new tooling method for injection moulding which
can get custom designed parts delivered in less than 24hrs. As there are no minimum order
quantities, speedigus is suitable for one offs, prototyping, low volumes and bridge tooling
Standard tool manufacture can take 4-
8 weeks and is normally only
available for minimum orders of
around 5,000 pieces," says Matt Aldridge of
igus UK. "But, with speedigus you can get a
single part in just one day. All we need is the
required quantity and a 3D CAD file of the
part."
igus currently manufacture speedigus
parts in eight common iglidur materials
(iglidur G, J, W300, X, M250, P, A180 and
H2) as well as igumid G, the igus E-Chain
material; the designer selects the material
best suited to the application, using the
simple online selection tool:
www.igus.co.uk/speedigus
As iglidur materials are maintenance and
lubricant free, long lasting and have a low
coefficient of friction, the majority of
speedigus parts manufactured to date are
custom design components that have a
bearing function.
"Because speedigus uses standard igus
materials, the igus useful service life
calculation program is still valid," adds
Aldridge. However, engineers can also draw
upon other features and benefits of iglidur
materials, such as the combination of light
weight with electrical conductivity, chemical
resistance or high temperatures. The igumid
E-Chain material additionally offers design
possibilities for structural parts, such as
brackets, side plate or covers.
Ideal for orders up to a few thousand
parts, prototypes or one-offs speedigus can
accommodate parts that fit into an envelope
up to 475 x 750 x 200 mm, with wall
thicknesses down to 0.5 mm. All that is
required for a quotation is a 3D CAD file,
preferably a STEP file, and the required
quantity.
Standard speedigus tooling lead time is
fifteen days from placement of order, but
parts can be produced in as little as 24h.
Every speedigus quotation comes with full
technical component information including
lead time options. Tooling charges for the
speedigus systems start from £1000 and unit
costs are from just 10 pence. As part of this
service speedigus custom tooling is kept for
repeat orders as and when required. If
production should move to high volumes,
then igus manufacture a standard
production tool, and unit costs then reduce
considerably. More articles from igus® Ireland: | 
