Rapid Steel

The Technology

A breakthrough Technology using stainless steel powder, held together by a binder that has been activated via laser. The laser draws the geometry of the part, sintering in layer by layer as guided by information in a CAD file. After all layers are scanned, the part is post processed to sinter the steel powder.
The Applications

Creation of metal parts and prototypes for stampings.
Plastic Injection Moulds.
Pressure Die Casting.
Investment and Sandcast Tooling.
Direct Manufacturing.
The Advantages
Extremely good material properties.
Powerful time compression - 1/3 the time of conventional methods.
Lower cost to produce - over 50% reductions.
Not geometry sensitive. The more complex the greater the savings.
Excellent durability and wear characteristics - 100,000+ cycles.

For more information on General Pattern's Rapid Prototyping and a wide range of applications, please contact your Local Office.