A STEP TOWARDS AUTOMATED DESIGN OF INDEX-PLATE MULTI-SHOT MOLDS

This paper describes an algorithm for automateddesign of index-plate type of multi-shot molds for
manufacturing multi-material objects. This new
algorithm is a significant improvement over
previous mold design algorithms and it accounts
for constraints associated with the index-plate
molding process. Our algorithm works in the
following manner. First, based on the index-plate
process constraints, we determine whether the
given multi-material object is moldable by index-
plate process by analyzing the geometry of the
object. If the object can be molded, then the
molding sequence is determined. Finally, the mold
pieces. We expect that the algorithm described in
this paper will provide the necessary foundations
for automating the design of index-plate molds and
therefore will help in significantly reducing the
mold manufacturing lead-time associated with this
type of molds.