Rapid tooling for casting prototypes

A seminar organised by the Rapid Prototype and Manufacturing Association (RPMA) held at the UK Castings Development Centre in Birmingham presented a series of case studies on the application of rapid prototyping methods in the manufacture casting tools. Methods described included stereolithography, laser sintering and sand cast moulding. Amongst the case studies were descriptions of the production of a novel A‐post for the Volvo Safety Concept car, the production and ranking for accuracy and repeatability of aerospace components and the direct production of sand moulds for cylinder heads and a hydraulic valve.