Reasons to use
- Cost effective method for larger mouldings with low complexity of shape
- Short lead-times can be achieved
- Tools can be modified to accommodate design changes
- Selective local insulation of areas of the tool to prevent unwanted build up of moulding material is particularly effective.
Method of manufacture
Tools are fabricated by welding pre-formed sheet steel sections together and hand machining the welds to avoid visible seams on the moulding. The combination of modern sheet steel punching, bending and forming equipment and traditional sheet steel hand working methods does allow surprisingly complex forms to be created. Compound curvature and fine detail are not readily achieved.
Tools are usually fabricated from 1.6 mm to 2.5 mm thick mild or stainless steel. Areas of the mould can be selectively insulated in order to create patches which are cooler during moulding of the products, resulting in thinner wall sections at those points.
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