A Review of Plastics for Tooling: Materials, Techniques, Tool Design

摘要

A review of the fabrication of prototype and production tools from plastics is presented. The materials usually involved in plastics tooling are discussed as to their capabilities and properties. The processing and fabrication techniques selected for review and comment are typical of the art, and are applicable to making tools for the production of metal and plastic components. Potentials for the military use of plastics tooling are noted. Design considerations encompass the making of models, dies, production aids, foundry tools, and molds. Test methods are identified, and optical methods for checking surface contour are discussed. The report closes with both reference and supplemental bibliographies. (Author)