Prototyping modeling mold

Tooling. Tools made with epoxy are used for producing prototypes, master models, molds and other parts for aerospace, automotive, foundry, boat building, and various industrial molded items (261). Epoxy tools are less expensive than metal ones and can be modified quickly and cheaply. Epoxy resins are preferred over imsaturated polyesters and other free-radical cured resins because of lower shrinkage, greater interlaminar bond strength and superior dimensional stability. 

Prototype Blow Molds with Metal-Coated Model and Metal-Filled Cast Resin... 

Two-component (nylon) polyamide 6 nylon materials are processed in a nylon module and poured into the silicone mold under vacuum. After curing, an accurate impression of the prototype model is developed. Molded parts with undercuts can easily be produced using this method. The casting process is completed after about 2 minutes demolding can be done after about 6 minutes. With this process, molded parts of high quality can be obtained in the shortest time possible and at low cost. 

A prototype is a 3-D model suitable for use in the preliminary testing and evaluation of a product (also used for modeling a die, mold and other tool). It provides a means to evaluate the product s performances before going into production. The ideal situation is for the prototype to be the actual product made in production. However machining stock material and using rapid prototype techniques can make prototypes (Chapter 4, BOOK SHELVES). 

Methods are used to produce the more costly rapid prototypes include those that produce models within a few hours. They include photopolymerization, laser tooling, and their modifications. The laser sintering process uses powdered TP rather than chemically reactive liquid photopolymer used in stereolithography. Models are usually made from certain types of plastics. Also used in the different processes are metals (steel, hard alloys, copper-based alloys, and powdered metals). With powder metal molds, they can be used as inserts in a mold ready to produce prototype products. These systems enable having precise control over the process and constructing products with complex geometries. 

Next is to make sample prototype tooling and sample prototype products for the test. Samples made by machining or other simplified model making techniques do not have the same properties as the product made by molding or extrusion or whatever process is to be used (Chapter 3, PROTOTYPES). A product made this way is a sample rather than a testable prototype. Simplified prototypes may reduce trial mold cost and produce adequate test data in some cases. Its main value is appearance and feel to determine whether the aesthetics are correct. Any testing has to be done with considerable reservation and caution. 

Prototyping basically provides a 3-D model suitable for use in the preliminary evaluation of form, design, performance, and material processing of products, molds, dies, etc. When properly used this automatic/fast system can accelerate product development, improve product quality, and time to the market for a product. 

With the implementation of CAD/CAM technology, it is possible to produce prototypes direcily based on a virtual model. The generation of the geometry using RP processes takes place quickly without the requirement of molds and machine tools. The main feature of the process is the formation of the workpiece. Rather than the conventional manufacturing process of a clamped workpiece and material removal techniques, RP processes entaU the layering of a fluid or powder in phases to form a solid shape. 

For products made of RP, it is possible to manufacture a 3-D model (for appearance, styling and space filling) by any standard technique, such as molding from clay, construction from wood, or machining/ fabrication from solid plastics, such as nylons and/or acrylics. A useful benefit of working with acrylics is that it is possible to make a model that is transparent, which may prove useful in deciding and checking details of assembly and fits. A fundamental question, however, is how to produce a series of prototypes that can be realistically tested, before any major commitment is made to series production. 

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