Case Study: Bastech achieves 22% faster cycle times and 18% cost savings with 3D Systems

Bastech Uses 3D-Printed Conformal Cooling Inserts to Reduce Costs and Time

Bastech, an Ohio-based one‑source shop and 3D Systems Authorized Gold Partner, faced a long‑standing injection‑molding challenge: keeping mold surfaces at even temperatures to prevent warping and shorten cycle times. The company set out to implement conformal cooling solutions that would improve thermal consistency without the limitations of traditional drilled channels.

Bastech deployed an integrated workflow—Cimatron CAD/CAM with Moldex3D simulation, direct‑metal printing on the ProX DMP 200 using LaserForm 17‑4PH, and Geomagic Control X inspection—to produce conformally cooled cores, cavities, and inserts. The results: cycle times dropped up to 22% (14% in a second benchmark), cooling time fell from 10.5s to 7.5s, 30–40 hours of post‑processing were eliminated, and total costs were reduced about 16–18% (roughly $1,765–$2,505), while part quality and temperature control improved.

Bastech