An Application of Rapid prototyping is Rapid tooling, this an automatic fabrication of machine tools. Tooling is one of the most costly steps in the manufacturing process.
Tools are often complex and need to be wear resistant for production. To meet these requirements, molds and dies are traditionally made by CNC machining, EDM or other methods. All traditional methods are expensive and time consuming; making rapid tooling prototyping the desired alternative. Many believe tooling and design cost may be cut by 50% to 70% by using rapid prototyping.
RT Prototyping
Rapid tooling is divided in two categories; indirect tooling and direct tooling.
Indirect Tooling | RT Prototyping
Most rapid tooling today is indirect tooling. Rapid prototyping parts are used as patterns for making molds and dies. These RT Prototyping models can be in the following manufacturing processes.
Read more: RT Prototyping | Rapid Tooling