Rush to Judgment

摘要

The use of 3D-printed tooling for thermoformed parts is an emerging development in additive manufacturing that is paying significant dividends in terms of reduced tooling cost and time for prototype and low- to medium-volume tooling. From simple trays to intricate molds and large panels for process equipment like 3D printers, thermoformed tooling allows the printing of functional tooling at low cost within days. With typical production runs generally under 10,000 parts, printed tooling also demonstrates that it can withstand the pressures of thermoforming without signs of wear or failure.