Title

Rapid Tooling: Taxonomy And Technology Road Map

Abstract

Rapid tooling (RT) is emerging as a powerful tool in optimizing "Time to Market". While its biggest success is being realized in the development of dies for plastic injection molding, it expands to a multitude of other processes. RT is based on the rapid prototyping technology (also known as stereolithography and/or layered manufacturing), where designs can be realized in hours instead of months. In this paper we explore the use of RT as soft and as hard tooling in manufacturing processes, such as casting and Electronic Discharge Machining, where RT is being developed. We extend the RT field to other than rapid-prototyping-based technology. We identify current technology, bottlenecks, which are holding this technology from realizing its fullest potential in the form of a technology road map. We can classify Rapid tooling into two categories: (1) Soft tooling (ST): tools used to manufacture limited number of units (< 20). Products fabricated using soft tooling include prototypes of the final products. Hence products realized from the use of such "tools" are made-up from material different from the final material that will be used in the production of large number of units. (2) Hard tooling (HT): tools used to manufacture large number of units (>1000). Tools in this category, as its name implies, should be fabricated from "hard" material capable of sustaining the ware and tare that could result from its successive use in the production process. Plastic injection tooling can best demonstrate the ST vs. HT. A new product manufactured from plastic may be produced using soft tool (die) fabricated from the rapid prototyping machine for up to 10 units before the tool starts to deteriorate. For large quantities hard tool, aluminum or steel die, may be used. Rapid prototyping technology contributed to both soft and hard tooling, adding "rapidity" to the process of manufacturing the tool. A combination of RP technology along with advances in material and CAD/CAM technologies and the integration with investment casting enabled the realization of Rapid tooling. While it is difficult to assess the contribution of the rapid prototyping technology in the tooling of different operations the table below summarize the contribution of RP in the proven tooling methods used in the three process categories of Casting, Molding and Electronic Discharge Machining (EDM) Table presented.

Publication Date

12-1-2004

Publication Title

IIE Annual Conference and Exhibition 2004

Number of Pages

695-

Document Type

Article; Proceedings Paper

Personal Identifier

scopus

Socpus ID

30044439127 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/30044439127

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS