| abstract |
A method of making an injection molding tool for molding an article, comprising making a replica of the article using at least one of an additive manufacturing process, a solid freeform manufacturing process, or a computer numerical control (CNC) process. The support block is configured to receive at least a portion of the replica of the article, and to support the replica with at least one of an outer peripheral surface of the replica or an inner peripheral surface of the replica, the inner peripheral surface being positioned at a distance from the peripheral surface of the support block at a spaced distance. The replica is supported inside the support block at spaced distances, a ceramic resin material is introduced into the spaced distance and cured to form a ceramic shell insert, the insert is removed from the cavity and sintered, and the insert Positioned within a support block to form part of a molding tool suitable for installation in a standard plastic injection molding machine. |