Techniques and moulds used in our industrialisation

Today we would like to bring you closer to our work methodology when facing the first phases of the development of our projects.

In this article, we will focus on the different techniques we use when producing moulds or prototypes for our product casings:

Sintering

Sintering, also known as powder metallurgy, is a process that involves applying pressure and high temperature, without reaching the melting point, to a powdered material. In this way, the material is compacted and forms a solid part.

This process produces parts with characteristics of metallic and/or ceramic materials that are impossible to achieve using traditional methods.

Abrasive machining (for metal parts)

Abrasion is the removal of material by abrading the workpiece in small quantities, releasing particles of material, in many cases, incandescent. This process is carried out by the action of a characteristic tool, the grinding wheel.

Vacuum Injection Mould or Silicone Moulds

Silicone mould especially suitable for commercial or marketing actions. This type of technique makes it possible to quickly obtain moulds to show the final result of the product casing with a high quality finish.

For this reason, its cost-performance ratio is an optimal way to get products tested for small modifications or for pilot testing. Below you can see a video of an injection moulding machine in operation.

Rapid prototyping seeks to create products similar in morphology and functionality to the final products, through the use of various materials such as metals, plastics or ceramics. The purpose of this technique is to test the quality of the composites for final production.

Rapid prototyping with 3D printing

Three-dimensional printing or 3D rapid prototyping is one of the most advanced and fastest methods. Given the evolution of materials and printers, it offers great possibilities for action.

Stereolithography (SLA) and selective light (DLP)

It involves the fabrication of objects by applying successive layers of photosensitive resin and ultraviolet radiation to the base material. If a beam is used, the technique is known as stereolithography. On the other hand, if a UV lamp is used, it is called 3D rapid prototyping by selective light.

Selective laser sintering (SLS)

Image source: 3DNatives

The process results in very tough products with a porous finish. This technology is suitable for parts that come into contact with each other, moving parts, hinges and highly complex designs.

Triple injection (Polyjet)

It is used to generate aesthetic prototypes that are highly accurate but lacking in functionality.

Rapid prototyping with laser cutting

It consists of cutting pieces of the original material with a laser beam. It is suitable for both short runs and mass production.

Rapid CNC prototyping

Objects are obtained by mechanically subtracting a sample from a larger piece. This process is much slower than the previous ones.