Avaliação da impressão 3Dmetálica na fabricação de cavidades em aço H13 para moldes protótipos de injeção plástica

Abstract

This dissertation evaluates the feasibility of using metal 3D printing to manufacture prototype mold cavities for plastic injection molds using H13 steel and the ADAM (Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing) manufacturing process. The main objective was to analyze the mechanical and structural properties of the printed H13 steel, the mold performance in injection tests, and the cost and time comparison in relation to conventional machining methods. Microhardness and tensile tests were performed, which indicated that the H13 steel manufactured by ADAM presents consistent properties and is suitable for industrial applications, with a chemical composition similar to the commercial version, in addition to high mechanical strength and semi-ductile behavior. The printed mold demonstrated practical feasibility in the plastic injection process, producing quality parts and maintaining good integrity throughout the injection cycles. The cost and time analysis showed that, although additive manufacturing has a higher initial cost, its faster execution for complex parts can justify the investment in prototyping contexts. This work contributes to the advancement of additive manufacturing in the industrial sector, suggesting that 3D printing with H13 steel offers a viable alternative for prototype injection molds, especially where there is a need for agility in development. Future studies may explore other metal alloys and improvements in post-processing to optimize the applicability of the technology.