Re: thermoforming and RPT

From: Michael Tsenter (nest@primenet.com)
Date: Fri Jan 21 2000 - 22:32:25 EET


Dear Xavier:

Prototype molds for thermoforming can be produced using the following RP
technologies: FDM, LOM, SLA, SLS, and CNC epoxy or urethane board.

All of the above are fairly durable and will be suitable for a prototype run of 50-100
thermoformed parts. FDM models are actually air-permeable so you will not need to
drill vacuum holes that are required for thermoforming. SLS may be the same, but we
have never tried it.

In addition, we supply METAPOR air-permeable block material that is used for CNC
machining of prototype & production tooling for thermoforming. Some METAPOR molds have
produced over 1 million parts.

ESPOR air permeable casting technology is used to manufacture cast molds that are
difficult or impossible to machine. Examples include automotive & aerospace interior
parts with textured air permeable surfaces. ESPOR process requires a pattern, so all
of the RP technologies listed above can be used to make patterns for ESPOR casting.
ESPOR molds often incorporate internal cooling lines to maintain consistent mold
temperature.

I hope this information is helpful.

Best regards,
Michael Tsenter

----
PORTEC - North America
a division of NEST Technologies, Inc.
3849 Ridgemoor Drive
Studio City, CA 91604 USA
Tel: 818-761-6500
Fax: 818-761-6116
e-mail:  nest@primenet.com
web site:  http://www.primenet.com/~nest

Xavier Planta wrote:

> Dear Sirs, > > I would like to know if anyone has some reference about the application of > Rapid Tooling technologies in obtaining thermoforming/vacuumforming molds > for manufacturing very thin wall parts. > And Rapid Prototyping aplied to small thickness pieces ( 0.5/0.8/1 mm)? > Thanks > > Xavier/Miryam > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Name: winmail.dat > winmail.dat Type: DAT File (application/x-unknown-content-type-dat_auto_file) > Encoding: base64

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