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El sector del juguete efectúa cada temporada grandes esfuerzos en el lanzamiento de nuevos productos. El fabricante cada vez se apoya más en la utilización de prototipos que le permitan presentar el producto en ferias y conocer los factores de éxito del diseño con un coste menor, a la vez que comprobar la funcionalidad y características técnicas del modelo. Sin embargo, la obtención del prototipo y del molde es un proceso que, a menudo es costoso, largo (1-2 meses) y muchas veces es preciso efectuar retoques en el molde obtenido. La aparición de las tecnologías de prototipado rápido como el Sinterizado Selectivo por Laser, ha reducido en gran medida la problemática asociada a la fabricación de los prototipos y moldes-prototipo. Sin embargo, la metodología de trabajo asociada a dicha tecnología, en concreto para fabricación de moldes (Rapid Tooling), no se encuentra optimizada y, en consecuencia no está aprovechada por el sector. La investigación derivada de la presente Tesis tiene como objetivo el de seleccionar cual es la técnica más apropiada y en esta, investigar, desarrollar, sistematizar y, finalmente, optimizar la metodología de desarrollo de moldes-prototipos, solucionando las limitaciones que hacen que no se pueda utilizar con resultados aceptables. Se ha realizado un estudio sobre las necesidades del sector del juguete, su situación tecnológica, su capacidad para incorporar nuevas tecnologías. También se han estudiado las técnicas de prototipado rápido y se han clasificado según su utilidad para fabricar prototipos y moldes-prototipo. Se han expuesto las ventajas y limitaciones de ellas, y se deduce que la mas útil para el sector del juguete es el Sinterizado Selectivo por Láser (SLS). Se estudian los parámetros críticos del proceso, el fundamento de al tecnología y su relación con las fabricación de prototipos para juguetes. Se han separado, clasificado y optimizado las características requeridas para obtener prototipos de plásticos y las de obtener prototipos metálicos y moldes-prototipos, y así se ha estudiado su relación con las variables del proceso de SLS como son la sinterización y la infiltración. Las variables seleccionadas que limitan los requisitos en la obtención de un prototipo en la fabricación de juguetes son: precisión, tamaño de la pieza y acabado superficial. Así, relacionando estas variables con el proceso de SLS se han obtenido los parámetros críticos y limitaciones para cada proceso de fabricación de prototipos. También se ha utilizado esta tecnología para comprobar su uso en la fabricación de diferentes tipos de moldes utilizados para obtener juguetes, y estos son: moldeo rotacional, extrusión, conformado, soplado, inyección de zamac y de plástico. Siendo en la fabricación de moldes-prototipo de inyección donde más ventajas aporta. Así analizando los resultados, las ventajas, limitaciones y teniendo presente que la mayoría de los juguetes se fabrican por inyección, es por lo que se considera necesario investigar sobre la elaboración moldes-prototipo para inyección. Para esta investigación se ha tenido en cuenta la relación de las características del sinterizado en conjunto con los requisitos del proceso de inyección y los moldes. Y de este estudio detallado se ha obtenido un procedimiento de trabajo o metodología que permite seleccionar los parámetros críticos a tener en cuenta dependiendo de la pieza que se desea fabricar. Con objeto de demostrar la utilidad en casos reales de esta nueva metodología se ha aplicado para la fabricación de piezas sencillas y complejas, tal como se ha expuesto en los resultados de esta Tesis. / Sánchez Reche, AM. (2007). Utilización de la tecnología del sinterizado selectivo por láser en el sector del juguete [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/131289

Developing a tool supporting humans to design and evaluate CLB-based circuits requires a lot of know-how and research from different fields of computer science. In this work, the newly developed application q2d, especially its design and implementation will be introduced as a possible tool for approaching CLB circuit development with graphical UI support. Design decisions and implementation will be discussed and a workflow example will be given.

Thesis (D. Tech. ( Mechanical Engineering )) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2012 / In this study an alternative indirect Rapid Tooling process is proposed. It essentially consists of producing sand moulds by Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes followed by casting of tools in the moulds. Various features of this tool making method have been investigated. A process chain for the proposed tool manufacturing method was conceptually developed. This process chain referred to as Rapid Casting for Tooling (RCT) is made up of five steps including Computer Aided Design (CAD) modeling, casting simulation, AM of moulds, metal casting and finishing operations. A validation stage is also provided to determine the suitability of the tool geometry and material for RCT. The theoretical assessment of the RCT process chain indicated that it has potential benefits such as short manufacturing time, low manufacturing cost and good quality of tools in terms of surface finish and dimensional accuracy. Focusing on the step of AM of the sand moulds, the selection of available AM processes between the Laser Sintering (LS) using an EOSINT S 700 machine and Three Dimensional Printing using a Z-Corporation Spectrum 550 printer was addressed by means of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The criteria considered at this stage were manufacturing time, manufacturing cost, surface finish and dimensional accuracy. LS was found to be the most suitable for RCT compared to Three Dimensional Printing. The overall preferences for these two alternatives were respectively calculated at 73% and 27%. LS was then used as the default AM process of sand moulds in the present research work. A practical implementation of RCT to the manufacturing of foundry tooling used a case study provided by a local foundry. It consisted of the production of a sand casting pattern in cast iron for a high pressure moulding machine. The investigation confirmed the feasibility of RCT for producing foundry tools. In addition it demonstrated the crucial role of casting simulation in the prevention of casting defects and the prediction of tool properties. The challenges of RCT were found to be exogenous mainly related to workmanship. An assessment of RCT manufacturing time and cost was conducted using the case study above mentioned as well as an additional one dealing with the manufacturing of an aluminium die for the production of lost wax patterns. Durations and prices of RCT steps were carefully recorded and aggregated. The results indicated that the AM of moulds was the rate determining and cost driving step of RCT if procurement of technology was considered to be a sunk cost. Overall RCT was found to be faster but more expensive than machining and investment casting. Modern surface analyses and scanning techniques were used to assess the quality of RCT tools in terms of surface finish and dimensional accuracy. The best surface finish obtained for the cast dies had Ra and Rz respectively equal to 3.23 μm and 11.38 μm. In terms of dimensional accuracy, 82% of cast die points coincided with die Computer Aided Design (CAD) data which is within the typical tolerances of sand cast products. The investigation also showed that mould coating contributed slightly to the improvement of the cast tool surface finish. Finally this study also found that the additive manufacturing of the sand mould was the chief factor responsible for the loss of dimensional accuracy. Because of the above, it was concluded that light machining will always be required to improve the surface finish and the dimensional accuracy of cast tools. Durability was the last characteristic of RCT tools to be assessed. This property was empirically inferred from the mechanical properties and metallographic analysis of castings. Merit of durability figures of 0.048 to 0.152 were obtained for the cast tools. It was found that tools obtained from Direct Croning (DC) moulds have merit of durability figures three times higher than the tools produced from Z-Cast moulds thus a better resistance to abrasion wear of the former tools compared to the latter.

Published Aticle / The Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM) made a humble start in 1997 as a spin-off from a proposed research activity in 1995, at a stage when Technikons were still being seen as occupational training institutions rather than higher education institutions and and as such, were not funded for research. Addressing an area of high importance to the South African industry, the research activity soon grew into a research unit, commercial centre / centre of excellence, technology transfer unit and innovation support centre. Above all, the research started to impact on product development practices to deliver improved products. The paper considers the development of the available technology platforms at the CUT'S CRPM to become a technology power-house on the African continent, and how it impacted on Institutional Research Development in South Africa.

Published Article / This paper is based on tests performed on die component specimens manufactured by EOS-DMLS (direct metal laser sintering) and LENS (laser engineered net shape) RP (rapid prototyping) technology platforms, as well as manufactured specimens machined out of preferred standard hot work steel DIN 1.2344. These specimens resemble typical components used in metal high pressure die casting tool sets. The specimens were subjected to a programme of cyclic immersion in molten aluminium alloy and cooling in water-based die release medium. The heat checking and soldering phenomena were analyzed through periodic inspections, monitoring crack formation and evidence of surface washout. At the end of the thermal tests, mechanical strength and hardness tests were performed to assess toughness and core resistance variations in relation to the initial conditions. Finally metallographic investigations were performed through optical microscopy on all the specimens considered. The outcomes of this research will be presented and used by the CSIR for further development and application of the assessed EOS-DMLS and LENS rapid prototyping technologies in rapid die manufacturing techniques and die design principles, including time and economic feasibility criteria to be applied when considering rapid die manufacture.

Thesis (MScEng (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This project investigates the use of Rapid Prototyping (RP), with specific focus on Three Dimensional Printing (3DP), in the manufacture of complex shaped advanced composite parts, using variants of the Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) method of composite manufacture. This study developed design guidelines, cost models and a process chain by studying data obtained by making example parts, from literature and consultation with industry. Advanced composite materials offer some of the best low weight and high specific strength properties for the solution of design problems. A major disadvantage of these processes, however, is the low production rates possible and the need of costly moulds. The 3DP technologies combined with the RTM composite process was found to enable a lowering of costs and increase in productivity if smaller batch sizes are considered. The most meaningful area of application for RP techniques seems to be for smaller and more complex components. The geometrical freedom allowed by RP technologies allowed the manufacture of parts which are challenging to manufacture by conventional technology such as CNC machining. Example part case studies were completed for a simple part utilising the one sided mould Resin Infusion RTM variant as well as for a complex part utilising the closed mould Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding (VARTM) process variant. During these two case studies it was clear that proper part infusion with resin is critical for the manufacture of good quality composite parts free of voids and dry spots. It is possible to improve the resin infusion by correct placement of resin inlet and outlet ports as well as resin channels incorporated in the mould. Correct placement of these features for the case studies was obtained through simulations done with RTM-Worx software. Results also indicated that another useful application of RP technology to RTM is the manufacture of disposable cores for parts with thick cross sections. Resin channels were included on the surface of these cores to improve the mould filling with resin and consequently part quality. An early cost estimation model, based on the work of Veldsman (1995), was developed for the combined RP and RTM manufacturing process. This model may help designers to eliminate expensive design features and enables a quick cost comparison with competing processes. Drawbacks of applying RP techniques to RTM include the limited lifetime of moulds produced with 3DP and the size and accuracy limitations of the RP t echnology. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie projek handel oor die toepassing van die drie-dimensionele druk metode van Snel-Prototipering (Rapid Prototyping) op die vervaardiging van komplekse gevorderde saamgestelde materiaal komponente met die Hars-Inspuit Giet (Resin Transfer Moulding) metode. Die projek behels die opstel van ontwerpsriglyne, koste-modelle en ’n proses-ketting deur data te bestudeer wat bekom is deur middel van die vervaardiging van eksperimentele parte, literatuurstudie asook raadpleging met individue in die industrie. Gevorderde saamgestelde materiale verskaf van die beste sterk, dog ligte oplossings vir sekere ontwerpsprobleme. ’n Ernstige nadeel van hierdie materiale is egter die stadige produksietempo moontlik en die vereiste van duur gietstukke. Die Snel- Prototipering metodes, gekombineerd met ’n saamgestelde materiaal vervaardigingsproses, maak laer kostes met beter produktiwiteit moontlik indien ontwerpers die part grootte- en akkuraatheidsbeperkings in ag neem. Die mees betekenisvolle area van toepassing blyk kleiner en meer komplekse komponente te wees. Die vryheid in geometrie wat moontlik gemaak word deur die Snel- Prototipering tegnologie laat die vervaardiging toe van parte wat uitdagend is om te vervaardig met konvensionele tegnologie soos CNC masjinering. ’n Gevallestudie is voltooi vir ’n eenvoudige part vervaardig met die enkelkant gietstuk vakuum-infusie weergawe van die Hars-Inspuit Giet metode asook vir ’n komplekse part wat vervaardig is met die geslote gietstuk Vakuum Hars-Inspuit Giet weergawe van die basiese metode. Dit het tydens die twee gevallestudies duidelik geword dat deeglike hars infusie van kritieke belang is vir die vervaardiging van goeie kwaliteit parte sonder enige droë kolle of lugruimtes. Dit is moontlik om die hars infusie te verbeter deur hars inlate en uitlate asook hars kanale in die korrekte posisies te plaas. Die korrekte posisies vir hierdie komponente is verkry deur middel van ’n reeks simulasies met die RTM-Worx sagteware. Resultate dui ook daarop dat Snel-Prototipering tegnologie handig te pas kom by die vervaardiging van verbruikbare kerne vir saamgestelde materiaal parte met groter diktes. Hars kanale kan maklik op die kerne se oppervlak geskep word om die hars verspreiding en gevolglik part kwaliteit te verbeter. ’n Vroeë kostevoorspellings model, gebaseer op werk voltooi deur Veldsman (1995), is saamgestel vir die gekombineerde Snel-Prototipering en Hars-Inspuit Giet proses. Hierdie model kan gebruik word om duur ontwerpsbesonderhede op parte te elimineer en om ’n vinnige koste vergelyking met ander vervaardigingsprosesse te toon. Nadele van die toepassing van Snel-Prototipering tegnieke op Hars-Inspuit Giet sluit die beperkte gietstuk-leeftyd en beperkte akkuraatheid in.