The Benefits Of Using Rapid Tooling

Tooling is a slow, extremely accurate and expensive step in many manufacturing processes, and it requires the tools patterns and dimensions to be accurate within one hundredth of a millimeter. Because the tools are so important and cannot be rushed through or poorly made, it became vital to find a process that could produce quality tools at a faster pace, while saving money. The process that was created introduced the fabrication of production quality machine tools, and is called Rapid Tooling.

This manufacturing process can provide a less expensive and less time consuming product, but this is not the only result reputable companies are looking for. These products are also expected to be durable, wear resistant and smooth surfaced, while maintaining the highest of quality of products.

There are two commonly used types of this process that include direct and indirect methods, but most manufacturers prefer to use the indirect method. When using the indirect method, the RP parts are used as patterns for making molds and dies, and casting is the simplest, oldest and most reliable technique used.

The first product that was produced and widely sold using the process of Rapid Tooling was in 1996, when Rubbermaid produced plastic desk organizers from an SLS built mold. Since then, this technique has been used frequently, and has saved manufacturers time and money, without compromising the high quality products many companies have been providing for years.

Using casting, molds and dies to produce mass quantities of products for large manufacturers has provided the necessary techniques to keep up with consumer demand. The idea of Rapid Tooling has been accepted and adapted in many different ways, and can be used in different formats and techniques, which has proven to be a useful and beneficial method that improves productivity and sales because of it's speed and efficiency.

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