Rapid tooling is a relatively new technology that arises from the need to produce small customized parts. These demands for small parts lead to the creation of flexible technological processes for shortened tooling production.

The conventional tooling process takes a long time and even more so in complicated designs. It is like a commercial production of low-volume industrial parts. Depending on its requirements, the material is either cast or forged, machined, and heat-treated to be more durable. After this tedious process, finishing techniques are employed.

Today the technologies used in rapid tooling have improved. Most prototyping companies are using rapid tooling techniques to shorten the lead time of a product. Despite the innovations in rapid tooling, there is a sizeable number of rapid tooling technologies that are frequently used today. Most of these techniques came from rapid prototyping, with only a few modifications.

Here are some of the commonly used rapid tooling techniques today.

CNC Machining

This is the most conventional among the rapid tooling techniques. With the CNC systems, the machining process has become more flexible, shortening the lead times. In CNC machining there is no need for specialized fixtures because the probe knows the exact dimensions and positions of the blanks,

It can accommodate designs with very tight tolerance, and quick machining services allow for small batches and quantities of prototypes without investing in expensive equipment. The advantage of this process is in terms of precision and a wide range of materials that can be used.

3D Printing

Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is the newest addition to rapid tooling methods. You can find many different additive processes, but for rapid tooling, the bed fusion and direct metal deposition are the most popular. In both of these processes, the metal powder is sintered together in layers to make the desired part.

The main benefit of using 3D printing is its incomparable flexibility. It does not need additional fixtures and blanks. Instead, it uses metal powder. 3D printing can accommodate cooling channels and sharp corners, which other processes can't. Its only drawback is it cannot produce a smooth surface.

Soft Silicone Tooling

For plastic prototypes or in low-volume production, waiting for a conventional injection mold may take longer and can be expensive. As a substitute, soft tooling is introduced. Soft silicone tooling requires a master model that can be made separately either by 3D printing or CNC machining. After this liquid silicone is poured over the mold. When the silicone hardens, the master model is removed and what you have is a silicone mold that is good for a maximum of fifteen uses.

EDM Tooling

EDM or electrical discharge machining is used when the tooling calls for sturdy material.

An example of this is the dies used in manufacturing the titanium allow parts. Instead of cutting small parts of the material, a reversed cavity is made on a softer material. This is installed as a tool on the EDM machine.

Using electrical discharges between the blank and the tool, the small titanium particle will evaporate and create a cavity on the titanium.

Are you looking for the right rapid tooling technique for your project? Let the people behind Nice Rapid help you. They have experts ready to answer your questions.