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| What is SLS RapidSteel? |
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In the same way that a cavity can be generated directly by stereolithography, it also is possible to build tool cavities directly using the laser sintering process.
With DTM's RapidSteel (also referred to as RapidTool), digital models of the core and cavity geometries are created and sent to a Sinterstation machine for fabrication in RapidSteel powder. This material consists of particles of mild stainless steel that are coated with a thin layer of a polymer binder material. The Sinterstation produces green parts that are then fired in a furnace. The furnace removes the polymer binder and infiltrates bronze into the mold inserts through capillary action. This process produces a fully dense tool that consists of about 60 percent steel and 40 percent bronze. The inserts are then finished, drilled for ejector pins, and fit to a mold base. The process produces a durable mold that can be used for injection-mold tooling, as well as die-casting applications. RapidSteel molds have been used to cast hundreds of aluminum, zinc and magnesium parts. The process allows for complex geometries and RapidSteel molds can withstand the conditions of injection molding. However, RapidSteel requires finish machining and polishing that can be time consuming.
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