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METTONŽ LMR: TOOLING OPTIONS Low internal tool pressures (<50psig) developed during injection of METTON LMR, allows numerous low-cost tooling options (relative to sheet molding compound {SMC} and injection molding tools). Available mold types range from prototype to high volume production. The table below shows durability, surface quality, cost (as a percentage of injection molding tooling) and some general information for each tool construction. |
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| Tooling Construction |
Projected Tool Life (# of Parts) |
Surface Quality |
Est. Cost vs. Inj. Molding Tooling, % |
Comments
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| PROTOTYPING | |||||
| Epoxy/Polyester | <100 | Fair |
15
|
Most common prototype. Durability for short-term production
cannot be predicted. |
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| PRODUCTION | |||||
| Nickel Shell | 150,000 | Very Good |
40
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Changes to the cavity side cannot be readily made. |
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| Cast Aluminum | >50,000 | Good |
20
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Excellent heat transfer. Light weight. Non-Class A parts
only due to porosity. |
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| Cast Kirksite | >50,000 | Good |
35
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Excellent heat transfer. Non-Class A parts only, due to
porosity. |
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| Machined Alum. | >150,000 | Excellent |
30-60
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Excellent heat transfer. Tighter dimensional tolerances
vs casting |
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| Machined Steel | >150,000 | Excellent |
80
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Highest surface quality, cost, longest delivery time, weight
disadvantage. |
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