Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Rapid tooling technology. Part 1. A comparative study

  • Published:
The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Rapid tooling (RT) is the technology that adopts rapid prototyping (RP) techniques and applies them to tool and die making. Research into RT techniques has shown that it is gaining more importance and is starting to pose a serious threat to conventional machining. In this paper, several popular RT techniques are discussed and then classified. A comparison is also made on these techniques based on tool life, tool development time and cost of tool development.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. C. K. Chua, and K. F. Leong, Rapid Prototyping: Principles and Applications In Manufacturing. John Wiley, 1997.

  2. P. Hilton. “Making the leap to rapid tool making”, Mechanical Engineering, pp. 75–77, July 1995.

  3. S. Ashley, “From CAD art to rapid metal tools”, Mechanical Engineering, pp. 82–87, March 1997.

  4. K. R. Denton, “The economics of rapid tooling and rapid prototyping”, The Sixth International Conference on Rapid Prototyping, pp. 179–188, 1995.

  5. D. Girouard, “Rapid tooling: how does rapid prototyping deliver?” The Seventh International Conference on Rapid Prototyping, pp. 269–273, 1996.

  6. C. Wilkening, “Fast production of rapid prototypes using direct laser sintering of metals and foundry sand“, Second National Conference on Rapid Prototyping and Tooling Research, pp. 153–160, 1996.

  7. H. B. Tsang and G. Bennett, “Rapid tooling — direct use of SLA moulds for investment casting“, First National Conference on Rapid Prototyping and Tooling Research, pp. 237–247, 1995.

  8. D. Atkinson, Rapid Prototyping and Tooling: A practical Guide. Strategy Publications, 1997.

  9. A. D. Venus, S. J. Crommert and S. 0. Hagan, “The feasibility of silicon rubber as an injection mould tooling process using rapid prototyped pattern”, Second National Conference on Rapid Prototyping and Tooling Research, pp. 105–110, 1996.

  10. L. Schaer, “Spin casting fully functional metal and plastic parts from stereolithography models”, The Sixth International Conference on Rapid Prototyping, pp. 217–236, 1995.

  11. J. C. Male, N. A. B. Lewis and G. R. Bennett, “The accuracy and surface roughness of wax investment casting patterns from resin and silicon rubber tooling using a stereolithography master”, Second National Conference on Rapid Prototyping and Tooling Research, pp. 43–52, 1996.

  12. J. S. Bettay and R. C. Cobb, “A rapid ceramic tooling system for prototyping plastic injection mouldings”, First National Conference on Rapid Prototyping and Tooling Research, pp. 201–210, 1995.

  13. M. C Warner, “Rapid prototyping methods to manufacture functional metal and plastic parts”, Rapid Prototyping System: Fast Track to Product Realisation, pp. 137–144, 1993.

  14. A. D. Venus and S. J. Crommert, “Direct SLS nylon injection”, Second National Conference on Rapid Prototyping and Tooling Research, pp. 111–118, 1996.

  15. R. C. Soar, A. Arthur and P. M. Dickens, Processing and application of rapid prototyped laminate production tooling”, Second National Conference on Rapid Prototyping and Tooling Research, pp. 65–76, 1996.

  16. P. I. Eyerer, “Rapid tooling — manufacturing of technical prototypes and small series”, Mechanical Engineering, pp. 45–7, March 1996.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore

    C. K. Chua & K. H. Hong

  2. Mechanical Engineering Department, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore

    S. L. Ho

Authors
  1. C. K. Chua
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. K. H. Hong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. S. L. Ho
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. K. Chua.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Chua, C.K., Hong, K.H. & Ho, S.L. Rapid tooling technology. Part 1. A comparative study. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 15, 604–608 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001700050108

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001700050108

Keywords

Search

Navigation