Development of Free-Form Assembly-Type Mold Production Technology Using 3D Printing Technology

Abstract

Free-form molds are used for one-time curve configuration, and because they are produced through manpower, they have issues with reduced precision and the occurrence of errors. In this study, 3D printing technologies were used to ensure precision, and polylactic acid and reusable eco-friendly materials to develop free-form assembly-type side-mold production technologies. In verifying the side mold, a free-form concrete panel was produced to check whether deformation occurs due to lateral pressure. Therefore, in this study, to verify this, a free-form concrete panel was produced and 3D-scanned to analyze the error at the side mold and the cause of the error to confirm the performance of the mold. The results showed that the error at each part was small, with a standard deviation of 1.627 mm, and there was little error at the panel joint part, around 1°. Such research is expected to be used in studies related to mold production technologies using 3D printers and on the production of free-form side molds.