Use of Rapid tooling techniques for the fabrication of forming prototypes

Abstract

This article summarizes the project “Applications of Rapid Tooling Techniques for the Manufacturing of Forming Prototypes”, which poses a possible solution for the fast and economical production of sheet metal forming prototypes in Industrias HACEB S.A1. through the documentation, study, and experimentation, with techniques based on the concept of Rapid Tooling2 applicable for this purpose. The article begins approaching the current problems for the development of prototypes at a worldwide level and in Colombia. It provides a basic description of Rapid Tooling technology, and gives a brief description of the techniques applicable to build tools for sheet metal forming fabrication. Finally it describes the method selected by the company to build the experimental tool and presents the conclusions of the project.