Integration of rapid prototyping and electroforming for tooling application

摘要

Solid freeform fabrication integrated with electroforming as a novel process for the generation of metal molds and EDM electrodes is presented in this paper. A part built by Stereolithography is metalized by electroless plating and then placed inan electroplating solution where metal is deposited upon the part by electrolysis. After the desired thickness of metal has been reached, the part is removed from the metal shell by heating. The shell is then backed with other materials to form a moldcavity or an EDM electrode. The accuracy of the formed mold cavity or EDM electrode influenced by materials and process parameters is discussed.