Applications of Rapid Tooling Technology

Abstract

The introduction of Rapid Tooling (RT) technology has enabled prototype, pre-production and in some cases full production tooling to be fabricated within significantly reduced time frames. In the previous Chapter several proprietary solutions for direct tool production were described. A sound understanding of the capabilities and limitations of these processes is essential in order to implement the technology successfully. This Chapter further discusses the DTM RapidTool process, which is one of the most significant direct tooling methods to be introduced in recent years, and from the experience gained with this process, some important lessons are highlighted, which apply to RT technology in general. Special attention is given to the specific design and finishing requirements of RapidTool inserts because these aspects have a critical effect in optimising the capabilities of the process. A study of the wear characteristics of RapidTool and EOSintM inserts is presented along with two industrial case studies which illustrate the application of RT technology in the fields of plastics injection moulding and aluminium gravity die-casting.