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Process: Uses computer-controlled milling, turning, or grinding to shape mold steel (e.g., P20, H13).
Advantages: High precision, excellent surface finish, suitable for complex geometries.
Applications: Prototype molds, medium-to-high production molds.
Process: Uses electrical sparks to erode metal, ideal for hard materials or intricate details.
Wire EDM: Cuts precise contours using a thin wire.
Sink EDM: Creates cavities and complex 3D shapes with an electrode.
Advantages: No mechanical stress, works with hardened steel.
Process: Achieves ultra-smooth surfaces for high-gloss plastic parts.
Applications: Optical lenses, automotive parts, and cosmetic components.
Process: Laser sintering of metal powders (e.g., tool steel, aluminum) to create molds with conformal cooling channels.
Advantages: Faster cooling, reduced cycle times, and complex geometries.
Limitations: Higher cost, limited size.
Process: 3D print a plastic or wax pattern, then use investment casting to produce a metal mold.
Materials: Suitable for aluminum or low-melting-point alloys.
Process: CNC-machined from softer aluminum (e.g., 7075).
Advantages: Faster production, lower cost.
Limitations: Shorter lifespan (10,000–100,000 cycles).
Process: 3D-printed or cast silicone molds for low-melting-point plastics (e.g., urethane).
Applications: Prototyping, small-batch production.
Process: Uses computer-controlled milling, turning, or grinding to shape mold steel (e.g., P20, H13).
Advantages: High precision, excellent surface finish, suitable for complex geometries.
Applications: Prototype molds, medium-to-high production molds.
Process: Uses electrical sparks to erode metal, ideal for hard materials or intricate details.
Wire EDM: Cuts precise contours using a thin wire.
Sink EDM: Creates cavities and complex 3D shapes with an electrode.
Advantages: No mechanical stress, works with hardened steel.
Process: Achieves ultra-smooth surfaces for high-gloss plastic parts.
Applications: Optical lenses, automotive parts, and cosmetic components.
Process: Laser sintering of metal powders (e.g., tool steel, aluminum) to create molds with conformal cooling channels.
Advantages: Faster cooling, reduced cycle times, and complex geometries.
Limitations: Higher cost, limited size.
Process: 3D print a plastic or wax pattern, then use investment casting to produce a metal mold.
Materials: Suitable for aluminum or low-melting-point alloys.
Process: CNC-machined from softer aluminum (e.g., 7075).
Advantages: Faster production, lower cost.
Limitations: Shorter lifespan (10,000–100,000 cycles).
Process: 3D-printed or cast silicone molds for low-melting-point plastics (e.g., urethane).
Applications: Prototyping, small-batch production.
