Whale Pumps accelerates time to market with 3D printed injection molds

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Besides creating prototype parts, Whale began to consider 3D printing its injection molds. Initially, corporate executives were skeptical about how the molds would hold up, but after some experimentation, the 3D printed molds were seen as a major breakthrough for the production of functional prototype parts in end-use materials.

“Working with Stratasys we were able to develop a material blend that supported higher temperatures and pressures, and adapt our operations to cope with different molding environments,” said Jim Sargent, head of Whale Technical Services.

Multiple Measures of Success

Whale is now 3D printing its injection molding tools with Digital ABS in less than 24 hours at a fraction of the cost of producing metal tools.

“With our Stratasys 3D Printer, we are now able to design our tools during the day, 3D print them overnight and test them the next morning using a range of end-product materials. The resulting time and cost savings are game changers for our business.”

For Whale, the versatility of PolyJet technology confirmed that it was the right choice for them. They are able to 3D print with multiple materials and colors, specify different Shore hardness ratings, and create parts with extremely accurate resolution. Whale’s executives are so confident in the capabilities of their 3D printers that they now offer rapid prototyping of polypropylene and polypropylene glass - filled parts to its customers.

For Patrick Hurst, PolyJet 3D printing has truly made a positive impact for Whale’s product development cycle.

“This is revolutionary for our business,” says Hurst. “I estimate we’ve shortened our R&D process up to 35%, and this is on top of the 20% we’re already saving on our design work. For me, it’s fantastic.”

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