Introduction to the Process of Laser Rapid Forming Mold Manufacturing Mold manufacturing is essential for the production of parts for various industries, ranging from complex to simple parts. In recent years, laser rapid forming has been gaining popularity among mold manufacturers due to its fast and accurate production process. After laser processing, the part can be directly cut or shaped as required. It is not time consuming and provides a cost effective way of manufacturing a mold.
Laser rapid forming mold manufacturing can be divided into four main stages: preparation, processing, design, and fabrication.
The first stage is preparation. During this stage, the material and the mold design are selected according to the requirements of the customer, based on their desired shape, volume and geometry of the part. The laser head is then calibrated to ensure that the shape of the part is accurate. The surface finish and field of view of the workpiece is also checked before the next stage begins.
The second stage is processing. The part is placed on the laser cutting table and the laser beam is used to cut the exact shape and dimensions of the mold. A computer-controlled robotic system is used to move the laser and ensure that the cut is precise. The laser is connected to a computerized numerical control system that controls the angle and speed of the laser head to ensure that the cuts are accurate.
The third stage is design. This stage is used to augment the mold and make necessary modifications to it. Computer-aided design (CAD) software is used to give the mold a desired geometry and configure the materials used to make it. The laser is then used to generate the desired shape, and then the mold is finished off with the necessary post-processing step.
The final stage is fabrication. During this stage, the mold is machined to create a more precise shape and size. Various machining technologies are used for this purpose such as milling, grinding, drilling, and turning. The mold is then polished before being subjected to quality control tests.
Overall, laser rapid forming mold manufacturing offers a much faster way to manufacture parts compared to traditional methods. It has increased the efficiency in the production and manufacture of molds, allowing them to be completed much quicker than before. The process is also cost effective and produce durable molds that can stand up to harsh conditions. This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications in different industries.