Reverse Engineering – Speeds up manufacture of thermoforming tools

Hackney, Philip, Sarwar, Mohammed and van Bedaf, Jason (2005) Reverse Engineering – Speeds up manufacture of thermoforming tools. In: 15th International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing, 18-20 July 2005, Bilbao.

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Abstract

Reverse Engineering has traditionally been utilised in the digitising of complex, ergonomic, aesthetic components, this paper examines the application of 3D digitising for the manufacture of thermoforming mould tools.

Thermoform moulding is seen as a flexible, rapid and low cost tooling route for low to medium volume production of polymer parts especially in the packaging sector.

Initial tools are traditionally resin cast or of simple wooden construction, after trials and customer acceptance of the designs, then more robust tooling is required. As product development progresses then tooling in metals such as Aluminium or metallic resins is often required.

The rational for metallic tools is increase cooling rates thereby increasing production rates and reducing part piece costs coupled with reduced wear.

This case study from the Centre for Rapid Product Development analyses the application of touch probe reverse engineering and surfacing techniques for the production of the “A” surface, air extraction vent system and the conformal cooling system required for high performance thermoforming production tooling.

The Centre for Rapid Product Development is a national and regional resource for innovative applied design and manufacturing technology and applications for the North East of England

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