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Uniform thermal surface control impact shown on a 3D-printed component
Stephanie Hendrixson12/5/16 4:05 PM< 1 min read

Beyond Conformal Cooling: Uniform Thermal Surface Control

Baker Industries is taking that idea and running with it. The large-scale manufacturer and fabricator is now using what it calls Uniform Thermal Surface Control, a concept that builds on the same principles of conformal cooling to keep the temperature of the tool uniform throughout. By applying heat via channels inside tooling, it is possible to control areas of temperature individually to maintain a set temperature throughout. The strategy applies to injection as well as compression molding, and is also relevant for rapid heat, rapid cool (RHRC) applications.

The example pictured above is one illustration of a possible application: a deep rib detail in a molded part. It would not have been possible to get heating to this area without internal channels. But thanks to additive manufacturing, Baker was able to add channels inside the tooling to help regulate the temperature while this feature was formed.

Similar to conformal cooling, the USTC strategy helps to reduce cycle times and avoid warp and sink problems. It also promotes better part and surface quality, as well as structural integrity for stronger, longer-lasting parts, according to Baker.

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Stephanie Hendrixson

Stephanie (Monsanty) Hendrixson reports on 3D printing technology and applications as senior editor for Additive Manufacturing, and is also co-host of The Cool Parts Show, a video series that highlights unique, unusual and weird 3D printed parts. She got her start in manufacturing media in 2012, through an internship with AM's sister publication Modern Machine Shop, and continues to contribute to MMS as a guest blogger. Stephanie is a current co-ambassador for the Cincinnati chapter of Women in 3D Printing (Wi3DP). In 2019 she was named among Temboo’s 20 Women in Manufacturing That Are Influencing the Industry, and previously appeared in a panel discussion on “Digital Transformation: Gaining a Competitive Advantage with Data and Diversity” hosted by Women in Big Data at IMTS 2018. Stephanie holds a B.A. in English literature and history from the University of Mount Union, as well as an M.A. in professional writing from the University of Cincinnati. She currently serves on the UC Professional Writing Advisory Board. Stephanie is an avid runner, food enthusiast and sourdough baker. She lives in Ohio with her husband Paul and rescue cat Artemis.

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