Prototype mold specialist Fast4m Tooling LLC is working to deliver a new blow mold manufacturing method that saves mold makers time and money.
Rob Esling, vice president of sales and marketing at Troy-based Fast4m, said that Fast4m's mold manufacturing starts with the stacking of steel or aluminum sheets, rather than cutting from a solid metal block. This process eliminates 80% of the processing work in the standard mold manufacturing process.
This process uses computer mold design data and high-speed lasers to cut a series of metal sheets into the approximate shape of the mold. Each metal sheet has a slight difference, and when combined, can form a rough outline of the mold. Some molds may contain up to 400 separate metal sheets.
Esling says that moldmakers can then adjust the shape and surface of the mold through traditional process techniques. This process also allows moldmakers to insert watermarks between metal sheets. The company estimates that moldmakers can save 10 to 15 percent on production costs.
Esling said that Fast4m wants to sell its technology to mold makers instead of competing with them.
To date, the company has manufactured molds for injection molding, stamping and sheet metal stamping. It has prototypes for blow molding and is looking for partners to further develop this technology.
Rob Esling, vice president of sales and marketing at Troy-based Fast4m, said that Fast4m's mold manufacturing starts with the stacking of steel or aluminum sheets, rather than cutting from a solid metal block. This process eliminates 80% of the processing work in the standard mold manufacturing process.
This process uses computer mold design data and high-speed lasers to cut a series of metal sheets into the approximate shape of the mold. Each metal sheet has a slight difference, and when combined, can form a rough outline of the mold. Some molds may contain up to 400 separate metal sheets.
Esling says that moldmakers can then adjust the shape and surface of the mold through traditional process techniques. This process also allows moldmakers to insert watermarks between metal sheets. The company estimates that moldmakers can save 10 to 15 percent on production costs.
Esling said that Fast4m wants to sell its technology to mold makers instead of competing with them.
To date, the company has manufactured molds for injection molding, stamping and sheet metal stamping. It has prototypes for blow molding and is looking for partners to further develop this technology.
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