| The newest trend is called rapid prototyping. | | | | Many other kinds of prototypes don't carry |
| Advancements in machining speed and | | | | the real properties that the customer is |
| flexibility combined with sophisticated | | | | trying to simulate. Most rapid prototypes are |
| electronic computer interfaces allow for | | | | made from the raw material intended for the |
| cost-effective, exact metal sample parts or | | | | final product, which makes it identical to |
| molds for plastic injection parts. | | | | what is actually going to be put in |
| | | | production. |
| Technical and application engineers at | | | | |
| Makino, a global provider of advanced | | | | Customers can get a hardened steel or |
| machining technology, say that such advanced | | | | prehardened steel part or mold in five or six |
| machining technology permits companies to cut | | | | weeks versus 10 or 12 weeks from previous |
| manufacturing steps. These eliminated steps | | | | processes. This is a timesavings they |
| are primarily created because steel can now | | | | appreciate in an effort to get their product |
| be milled as quickly and cost-effectively as | | | | to market faster and less expensively. |
| aluminum or other lighter materials. | | | | |
| | | | Technological advancements like CAD and other |
| Such progress allows mold builders and other | | | | sophisticated computer interfaces can |
| manufacturers to actually develop | | | | positively combine with state-of-the-art |
| applications which can be utilized | | | | machine tools that are accurate, rigid and |
| immediately to make more products. This | | | | stable in order to achieve maximum results. |
| allows their customers to get new products to | | | | Customers can save up to two-thirds of the |
| market faster. | | | | total time originally required by more |
| | | | traditional mold building processes. |