What is LENS?
The Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) system from Optomec (Albuquerque, New Mexico) -originally developed at Sandia National Laboratories – builds parts using a metal powder feed into a laser, […]
What is Controlled Metal Build-up (CMB)?
Albrecht R”ders GmbH & Co KG (Soltau, Germany) has commercialized a process called Controlled Metal Buildup (CMB). […]
What is Reverse Engineering?
Reverse engineering (also known as backwards engineering or back engineering) is a process or method through which one attempts to understand through deductive reasoning how a previously made device, process, system, or piece of software accomplishes a task with very little (if any) insight into exactly how it does so. Depending on the system under [...]
What is Indirect Methods of Rapid Tooling?
Several pattern-based processes have been developed for creating a mold rapidly, with varying costs, leadtimes and process capabilities. […]
What is RTV Silicone Rubber Molds?
One of the most popular tooling applications for RP is the production of room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber molds. […]
What is Vacuum Casting?
Plastic parts are vacuum cast by placing a silicone tool in a vacuum chamber with a polyurethane resin. […]
What is RIM?
Unlike vacuum casting, the Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) process does not rely on expensive vacuum chambers and mixing units. […]
What is Wax Injection Molding?
In addition to two-part resin molding, silicone cavities also are suitable for low-pressure injection molding of waxes for investment casting. […]
What is Spin-Casting?
An interesting application of silicone rubber as a mold material is available from a company named First-rate Mold Solution Co., Ltd.. […]
What is Cast Resin Tooling?
This is one of the simplest and most economical methods of producing a tool for the injection molding of thermoplastic parts. […]