What is Electroforming?
Electroforming involves electroplating a thick shell (several millimeters thick) onto a master pattern. Before plating can commence, the surface must be made electrically conductive. […]
Electroforming involves electroplating a thick shell (several millimeters thick) onto a master pattern. Before plating can commence, the surface must be made electrically conductive. […]
For higher production volumes and more aggressive polymers, it is critical that the tool material has a high degree of mechanical hardness. […]
Some companies have used investment casting with RP models to produce metal tooling. Most of the tools cast so far have been in aluminum, […]
Staffing RP: MinimalWith the exception of secondary operations (benching), RP requires little labor. Within a few minutes, it is possible to prepare files for part production and start the build. During the build, there is little or no operator attendance. […]
Surface Finish RP: Ra 100 to 600 in. (2.5 to 15 microns)Without any secondary operations, some, if not all, surfaces will be rough. While RP has progressed to layer thicknesses of 0.0005 to 0.001 inch (0.0125 to 0.025 mm) for some technologies, the layer striations and stairstepping still affect surface finish. […]
Accuracy RP: 0.005 to 0.030 in. (0.125 to 0.75 mm)While it is possible to achieve dimensional accuracy better than 0.005 inch (0.125 mm) on individual dimensions, 0.005 to 0.030 inch (0.125 to 0.75 mm) is the typical range of deviation. Accuracy is a function of the RP system and the size of the dimension. As [...]
Part Complexity RP: UnlimitedIf a prototype can be modeled with design software, it is possible to build it with little impact on time or cost. The ability to quickly and cost-effectively produce complex parts is one of RP’s biggest benefits. […]
Today, knowledge of CNC Machining and rapid prototyping technologies is important for the selection of the right tool for the job. […]
When comparing the merits of rapid prototyping (RP) and CNC machining, opinions abound. RP and CNC machining both have staunch supporters that tout the benefits of their preferred technology. […]
The term digital manufacturing is starting to gain avid use in the industry; however, definitions vary. According to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, […]