Fast production of functional components and molds by Rapid Prototyping

Flexible production concepts for manufacturing products quality have induced a high demand of a vast availability of prototypes during the last years. On basis of a 3D CAD description of the geometry to be designed, these new processes often represent the fastest and most economic variant for manufacturing models and prototypes. A new process named Multiphase Jet Solidification (MJS) has been developed, able to produce metallic or ceramic parts out of powder-binder mixtures in a freeforming manner. A second route is the development of new powder materials and secondary operations (e. g. infiltration and coating technologies) for the lasersintering preocess especially to produce mold inserts. Today copper based alloy is commercially available. To increase the strength and to reduce the surface roughness of the produced parts and mold new materials and secondary operations are developed. In this pper the procedure from the plastic model to the metallic or ceramic prototype respectively t o the mold insert is explained. Direct ways to metallic and ceramic parts and applications of secondary operations are shown.