School of Engineering

Direct method for Rapid Tool Production

Rapid Prototyping (RP) technologies have many advantages, such as allowing form & fit checking and functional tests, and facilitating mould discussion. But due to the limitation of the material used, it still cannot be used as a production part. This poses a problem to manufacturers who want to perform a trial run of a new product before committing huge investments in tools making. This is where Rapid Tooling comes in.

Rapid Tooling is the process where the mould inserts (core/cavity) are being built by a RP machine, and only minor machining work is required at the end of the RP process. Because no CNC is involved in the whole process, the lead-time to come out with an injection mould is relatively short. This will allow the designer to test out the parts while the toolmakers are still drafting the mould drawings. This again will provide ample time for the designer to identify problematic area, and feedback to the mould maker accordingly.

Key Features

  • Relatively short lead-time

  • Low cost

  • Useful for trial runs and prototype testing

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