Rapid Tooling & Metal Parts by Additive Fabrication
Technology Comparison Tables
The accompanying tables were developed using data from conversations and correspondence with system manufacturers, published technical papers and brochures, web-sites and other sources. Technologies are divided into the following two main categories:
 Indirect Processes are those which use a pattern to make a tool from which a part can subsequently be fabricated, usually by molding.
The final parts are usually plastic, but could be also made from other materials. Additive fabrication may be used to make the pattern, but patterns can also be made by machining, or even by hand. Some processes allow the use of almost any object as a pattern, such as a part from toy or a found object such as a seashell.
Direct Processes can be used to make either metal parts or tools such as injection molds, stamping dies or similar items.
Many of the same processes are also used to make parts from plastic or other materials, but only metal capabilities are shown. Most of these methods are additive in nature, but CNC machining is also included, as well as hybrid or alternative processes.
In a number of significant instances, there are as yet no specifications available for such important basic parameters such as accuracy, resolution, etc. One reason for this is that results for essentially all rapid tooling processes are variable depending on the geometry being fabricated, materials and other factors. Manufacturers may be reluctant to quote a single number which might be misinterpreted or may lead customers to exclude consideration of a process for certain additional applications.
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