3D-Printed Dissolvable Molds for Rapid Fabrication and Replacement of Elastomeric Vehicle Parts

Author(s):

Michael J. DeGrange, Derek J. Bischoff, and Eric D. Wetzel

Abstract:

Elastomeric parts are difficult to replace at the point-of-need due to the high capital investment and footprint required for injection molding. 3D-printed tooling is demonstrated in the production of a gladhand seal using minimal equipment, namely a 3D printer and cast-cure resin. The entire process from identification of a failed part to the successful installation of a replacement is completed in under 24 h. Evaluation of the replaced seal confirms its functionality. The designed mold files and associated documentation are uploaded to the Advanced Manufacturing Digital Repository as a resource for Army sustainment personnel.