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Thermoforming Tools |
In designing a finished part it is important to look at tool materials. The proper material selection is the most important decision to be made in
tool construction. For prototypes or very short runs, the least expensive tool would probably be wood. One of the advantages of thermoforming is the ability to use so many different materials for prototypes and short runs. However in production or precision thermoforming (in order to be efficient and competitive),
aluminium must be used.
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Composite Tool |
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This type of tool is only for prototype and low volume part runs. These
tools are made from cost effective composite materials. The parts these
tools produce are to be used for evaluation of form, fit and function and can be modified to evaluate possible design changes. These
tools have a limited life.
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Aluminium Filled Epoxy Tool |
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| Aluminium filled epoxy tools are quite commonly used for heavy gauge vacuum forming. They are quick to build and get into production. They are used for low to high volume runs, however these are also heat sinks, which greatly retard production cycles, and cannot be controlled to run at a consistent temperature. Epoxy
tools often will begin to crack and break apart when repeatedly brought to high temperatures and cooled to room
temperature. |
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Aluminium Tooling |
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| Aluminium tooling is used for large production runs where the part has large male or female draw ratios.
Aluminium tools can offer features such as logos, textures, loose cores, inserts and pneumatic cores allowing undercuts. |
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Temperature Controlled Aluminium Tooling |
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| Properly designed and built temperature controlled
aluminium tools are by far the best type of tooling available for thermoforming. To produce consistent, quality parts at a competitive price, it is essential to accurately control the
tool temperature, pressure on the part, cooling rate from both sides of the part, length of time on the
tool and post cooling if needed. |
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