Fast tooling

Rapid prototyping (RP) has become a popular and well-known technique for speeding time-to-market. The next step, rapid tooling, promises the same benefits but poses rather more problems. A development project is described. Rapid tooling is a technique that draws on both existing RP technologies and traditional engineering techniques, such as pattern making. Parts are manufactured via the intended production route and produced in the required production material. Laminated sheets are cut and assembled, then machined further to get a precise result. Problems of tooling pressure and accurate lamina assembly are considered