TY - JOUR

T1 - Electroforming of Rapid Prototyping Mandrels for Electro-Discharge Machining Electrodes

AU - Rennie, Allan E. W.

AU - Bocking, Chris E.

AU - Bennett, Graham R.

N1 - This paper paved the way for the creation of EDM electrodes using the Stereolithography Rapid Prototyping technique, which had proved difficult in other research institutes (primarily in Australia - Yarlagadda et al). The understanding of electroformed wall thickness and its relationship to erosion depth potential has allowed for further investigation into backfill supporting materials for rapid electrode growth and longevity in use. RAE_import_type : Journal article RAE_uoa_type : General Engineering

PY - 2001/3/19

Y1 - 2001/3/19

N2 - The process of creating injection mould cavities, possible by a variety of methods, can be a lengthy one. The most common technique to obtain complex cavities is by utilising electro-discharge machining. This allows for the production of cavities that could not normally be produced by conventional machining methods. However, some electrodes for use in the electro-discharge machining process can themselves be difficult, and sometimes impossible to machine. By applying electroforming to the relatively young technology of rapid prototyping, complex electrodes can be produced in fairly reasonable timescales. This paper explains the work being conducted in this area by the authors, and the use of differing RP technologies in the production of these electroforms. It has been found that thin walled (≤1.5 mm) copper electroforms backed up with suitable filler materials are ideal for use as electro-discharge machining electrodes.

AB - The process of creating injection mould cavities, possible by a variety of methods, can be a lengthy one. The most common technique to obtain complex cavities is by utilising electro-discharge machining. This allows for the production of cavities that could not normally be produced by conventional machining methods. However, some electrodes for use in the electro-discharge machining process can themselves be difficult, and sometimes impossible to machine. By applying electroforming to the relatively young technology of rapid prototyping, complex electrodes can be produced in fairly reasonable timescales. This paper explains the work being conducted in this area by the authors, and the use of differing RP technologies in the production of these electroforms. It has been found that thin walled (≤1.5 mm) copper electroforms backed up with suitable filler materials are ideal for use as electro-discharge machining electrodes.

KW - Rapid Prototyping

KW - Electroforming

KW - Electro-Discharge Machining

KW - Stereolithography

KW - ThermoJet

KW - Electrodes

U2 - 10.1016/S0924-0136(00)00878-5

DO - 10.1016/S0924-0136(00)00878-5

M3 - Journal article

VL - 110

SP - 186

EP - 196

JO - Journal of Materials Processing Technology

JF - Journal of Materials Processing Technology

IS - 2

ER -