Mantle Releases Its Metal 3D Printing System

Mantle has commercially launched and made available its metal 3D printing technology for toolmaking. The system simplifies how mold tool components are made and accelerates how manufacturers making molded parts go from product idea to launch, according to Mantle.

Mantle’s technology reduces the time to create tooling components by eliminating or reducing many of the operations traditionally required to make precise, durable steel tool components, the company notes.

This launch follows the reportedly successful delivery of beta systems to customers. Westminster Tool, a precision moldbuilder in Plainfield, Connecticut, installed a beta system and is integrating it into its moldmaking operations. 

Mantle’s solution is designed for ease of installation and use. 

The company's system and TrueShape technology include:

• The P-200 printer, a hybrid system built on a CNC platform that integrates printing and machining to produce parts with the accuracy and surface finish required for tooling. The P-200 printer has a build volume of 200x200x150 mm.
• The F-200 furnace, which sinters parts from the printer and produces tooling components. One furnace can sinter multiple parts and can support multiple printers.
• Two tool steel materials, H13 and P2X (a steel comparable to P20), which perform like traditional tool steels with secondary operations like machining, polishing, coating, and laser welding, according to Mantle.
• Easy-to-use software that automates the printing process, including the generation of all toolpaths and machine instructions.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.