One of the recent developments in product improvement is rapid prototyping. It involves combinations of different innovations from tedious research, testing, and revisions. With this process, CAD can document the changes into a physical model using specific materials that undergone different treatment strategies.
These treatments include various manufacturing processes like sintering and layering to come up with a physical manifestation of design for testing. It is better than the two-dimensional format because you have an organized model that approximates the final product. These models are used either for marketing or presentation to stakeholders. The process we are talking about is called Rapid Tooling.
Benefits of Rapid Tooling
Rapid tooling has made it easier to have a visual representation of a design. Not only that, because the model is made from materials like aluminum, it is easier to make modifications and changes to the prototype through welding, re-machining, or insertion. The process is more straightforward and saves more money and time as the modifications are done on the prototype mold only and not on the final product mold.
Some of the modifications that can be done with rapid tooling include changing the size of holes, locations of the gate, and removing sink. All these changes can be costly when done on the product mold. It also saves time and money because these modifications can be done after the first of its parts are assembled and reviewed, and not when the tooling is completed.
Another benefit of using rapid tooling is on finishing. When aluminum is used as a material, it is easier to add texture or polished. It enables to shoot clear or transparent components into the mold. There are specific finishes applicable to a product depending on the molding material. Companies like Nice Rapid Tooling can suggest the appropriate content and finishes to match the design requirement.
Aside from its cost savings and fast delivery, rapid tooling is also not limited to small parts. It can accommodate more significant parts too, but, on average, prototypes can fit the standard frame. The beauty of using aluminum in rapid tooling is it allows making samples of the same component in the production mold. Nowadays, rapid tooling uses PVC, glass-filled nylon, Ultem, and many more. It is no longer restricted to ABS and Santoprene.
By utilizing rapid tolling, companies can have a visual model of the designs. With this model, all the unanswered questions and plans will be answered without missing the deadline.
