Description
Rapid tooling Service, also known as prototype tooling or bridge tooling. Rapid tooling is a process of create molds using rapid prototyping (e.g. CNC machining) or additive manufacturing techniques, aiming to shorten the time of making molds, reduce the cost and increase the production efficiency.
Rapid Tooling is a way to simplify the mould structure . Mold production AND parts within 18 days or less .Production quantities of up to 10,000 parts or more; depending on material type and geometry, Simplified mold designs decrease manufacturing time and cost.
Thermoplastic and thermoset materials identical to that of high-volume production materials; more than 100 different materials can be used including ABS, PC, PP, LCP, POM, and liquid silicone rubber.
Rapid prototyping service providers can produce moulds that meet rapid prototyping requirements in a short period of time, based on documented drawings provided by the customer, and is therefore suitable for new product development and small batch production, which can effectively validate the design and reduce production risks.
Faq
Precision metal parts manufacturing refers to the process of shaping metal materials—such as steel, aluminum, copper, and stainless steel—into high-accuracy, complex components using techniques like turning, milling, grinding, stamping, and CNC machining. The core of this process lies in controlling dimensional tolerances (as tight as ±0.001mm), geometric tolerances, and surface finishes. It is widely applied in industries such as automotive, medical devices, aerospace, and telecommunications.
Common processes include: CNC Machining: Suitable for complex 3D shapes, offering high precision and flexibility. Stamping: Ideal for high-volume production of thin-walled metal parts, with high efficiency. Turning: Primarily used for rotational parts like shafts and sleeves. Milling: Used for machining planes, curves, slots, and holes. Wire EDM / EDM: For machining high-hardness materials or complex molds. Laser Cutting / Waterjet Cutting: Suitable for precision sheet metal blanking. Surface Treatment: Such as plating, anodizing, sandblasting, and passivation, for corrosion resistance or aesthetics.
Selection should consider: Functional Requirements: Strength, hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, conductivity, etc. Process Suitability: Aluminum (easy to machine, lightweight), stainless steel (corrosion-resistant), copper (good conductivity), titanium alloys (high strength, biocompatible). Cost and Lead Time: Common materials (e.g., 45# steel, 6061 aluminum) are cost-effective and readily available; specialty alloys (e.g., Inconel, molybdenum) are more expensive and may require pre-ordering.
Material Cost: Raw material type, usage, and market fluctuations. Complexity of Machining: Number of processes, precision requirements, special treatments (e.g., mirror polishing). Order Quantity: High volumes can amortize mold/programming costs, reducing unit prices. Quality Certifications: Certifications like medical (ISO 13485) or automotive (IATF 16949) may increase management costs. Surface Treatment and Packaging: Special coatings, vacuum packaging, etc., add to the cost.
Standard Tolerance: ±0.1mm or above, suitable for structural parts, housings, etc. Precision Tolerance: ±0.01mm to ±0.05mm, suitable for mechanical assembly parts. High-Precision Tolerance: Within ±0.005mm, suitable for critical components in aerospace, optical instruments, etc. Recommendation: Define tolerances based on actual functional needs, as unnecessarily tight tolerances significantly increase costs.
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