Rapid Tool

Applications

This method is used for relatively small and simple parts with a size of approximately 150 x 100 x 100 mm³ when a larger production series will be needed. The tool is built from a special metal-blended Epoxy resin. A Stereolithography model is needed as a base.

Infrastructure

PROFORM offers this service in collaboration with Leutwyler Rapid Tooling.

Materials

Thermoplastics eg. ABS, PMMA, PE, PP, PA6, PA66, PC, etc.

The process

To begin with a precise Stereolithography model of high surface quality is used. After defining the parting lines, this model is cast in two steps into a special Epoxy resin that cures to a metal-like material. Afterwards, the original model is removed and the rapid tool may the be surface finished as necessary.

The injection moulding is performed on a piston machine, whereby the parts are demoulded manually. The cycle time ranges typically from 1-5 minutes.