Overview of layer manufacturing technologies, opportunities, options and applications for rapid tooling

Abstract

The motivations applying to layer manufacturing emerging technologies in the product development cycle are considered. The interaction between virtual reality computer applications and physical manufacturing primarily rapid tooling is studied. This paper describes a holistic approach and optimization methodology in time and cost for injection moulded plastic parts, applicable for further tooling applications. Furthermore, some applications for die-casting and forming tools are cited. The benefits of optimization stages, cost, time and obtained final results are discussed. The benefit of using principally selective laser sintering with interactive modelling and simulation is demonstrated. Trends and concluding remarks round up the authors' reported experience and the state-of-the-art.