# Additive Manufacturing’s Role in Tool & Die with Vilas Ravindra Dulipeta of AarKel

- Show: [Additive Snack](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack)
- Published: 2024-10-29
- Length: 44m
- Episode: 3
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2024-10-29-additive-manufacturings-role-in-tool-die-with-vilas-ravindra-dulipeta-of-aarkel
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/f63c4cc4

## Summary

Vilas Ravindra Dulipeta, Manager of the Additive Manufacturing Group at AarKel Tool & Die Inc., explains how additive manufacturing (AM) is transforming tool and die operations, specifically in die casting and injection molding. He details AarKel's journey from early 'magnetic mistakes' with hybrid inserts to developing proprietary solutions like conformal cooling channels and engineered porosity for venting. The discussion highlights specific applications in EV programs, such as the Hummer EV shock tower and battery housings, where AM reduces cycle times and doubles insert life compared to traditional CNC methods. Dulipeta also describes a new process achieving SP1 diamond finishes on 3D printed steel, opening AM to high-visibility automotive lighting applications.

## Chapters

- [0:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2024-10-29-additive-manufacturings-role-in-tool-die-with-vilas-ravindra-dulipeta-of-aarkel#t=3) Introduction: Vilas Ravindra Dulipeta and AarKel's history
- [3:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2024-10-29-additive-manufacturings-role-in-tool-die-with-vilas-ravindra-dulipeta-of-aarkel#t=220) AarKel's early adoption and the learning curve of metal 3D printing
- [8:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2024-10-29-additive-manufacturings-role-in-tool-die-with-vilas-ravindra-dulipeta-of-aarkel#t=491) Early mistakes: Magnetic interference with hybrid inserts
- [10:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2024-10-29-additive-manufacturings-role-in-tool-die-with-vilas-ravindra-dulipeta-of-aarkel#t=605) Die casting: Conformal cooling and cycle time reduction
- [18:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2024-10-29-additive-manufacturings-role-in-tool-die-with-vilas-ravindra-dulipeta-of-aarkel#t=1085) Insert lifetime: 3D printed vs. traditional CNC inserts
- [22:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2024-10-29-additive-manufacturings-role-in-tool-die-with-vilas-ravindra-dulipeta-of-aarkel#t=1342) EV programs: Early integration in Hummer EV die casting
- [25:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2024-10-29-additive-manufacturings-role-in-tool-die-with-vilas-ravindra-dulipeta-of-aarkel#t=1542) Injection molding: Engineered porosity and venting
- [32:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2024-10-29-additive-manufacturings-role-in-tool-die-with-vilas-ravindra-dulipeta-of-aarkel#t=1974) Surface finishes: Achieving SP1 diamond polish on 3D printed steel
- [36:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2024-10-29-additive-manufacturings-role-in-tool-die-with-vilas-ravindra-dulipeta-of-aarkel#t=2218) Challenges: Cost, education, and industry resistance

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- AarKel Tool & Die Inc. (company)
- EOS (company)
- M290 (tool)
- M280 (tool)
- Magnusoft (tool)
- Hummer EV (product)
- Mold Max (material)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Shop Talk Live 17: How Your Hand Tools Are Made](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2012-10-11-shop-talk-live-17-how-your-hand-tools-are-made) (Shop Talk Live)
- [083: Benefits of Additive Manufacturing for New Inventions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2021-07-07-083-benefits-of-additive-manufacturing-for-new-inventions) (Product Startup)
- [3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing with Steve Szymeczek of Penumbra Engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2020-04-02-3d-printing-and-additive-manufacturing-with-steve-szymeczek-of-penumbra-engineer) (Predictable Designs Podcast)
- [That SCOOPshow - Season 6, Productronica 2021 - Valentin Storz, Nano Dimension](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2021-11-11-that-scoopshow-season-6-productronica-2021-valentin-storz-nano-dimension) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Star Trek Replicators? How Additive Manufacturing is Changing the Industry](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2021-09-14-star-trek-replicators-how-additive-manufacturing-is-changing-the-industry) (Over the Air)

## Citing this page

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