초록 ▼

A method of making tooling by preparing a master model having a first surface and casting a thin-skinned mold from a first master surface, with an inner surface corresponding to the first master surface and an outer surface spaced from the inner surface thereof. A bolster is fabricated in releasable

A method of making tooling by preparing a master model having a first surface and casting a thin-skinned mold from a first master surface, with an inner surface corresponding to the first master surface and an outer surface spaced from the inner surface thereof. A bolster is fabricated in releasable contact with the outer surface of the thin-skinned mold and serves as a support structure for the thin-skinned mold or a replica thereof. The bolster and thin-skinned mold are removed from the master and the thin-skinned mold supported by the bolster in contact with the outer surface thereof. A thickness calibration material is located on the inner surface of the thin-skinned mold and corresponds in thickness to an article to be produced. A matching contra halfmold set is formed against the calibration material, the calibration material and thin-skinned mold being supported by the bolster. The contra half matching mold set is removed, and the calibration material removed from the inner surface of the thin-skinned mold. The bolster and the thin-skinned mold are aligned with the matching mold set contra half to define a cavity corresponding to the calibration material, and the surfaces of the cavity coated with a release agent. A rigid skin member is cast in the cavity, the matching mold set contra half removed from registration with the bolster and the thin-skinned mold, and the thin skinned mold removed from the bolster.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of making tooling comprising the following steps:a) preparing a master model having a first surface; b) casting a thin-skinned mold from the first surface of the master model, the thin-skinned mold having an inner surface corresponding to the first surface of the master model and an oute

1. A method of making tooling comprising the following steps:a) preparing a master model having a first surface; b) casting a thin-skinned mold from the first surface of the master model, the thin-skinned mold having an inner surface corresponding to the first surface of the master model and an outer surface spaced from the inner surface thereof; c) fabricating a bolster in contact with, and releasable from, the outer surface of the thin-skinned mold, which bolster is intended to serve as a support structure for either the thin-skinned mold or a replica thereof; d) removing the bolster and the thin-skinned mold from the master model and thereafter supporting the thin-skinned mold by means of the bolster, the bolster being in contact with the outer surface of the thin-skinned mold; e) locating a layer of a thickness calibration material on the inner surface of the thin-skinned mold, the layer corresponding in thickness to an article to be produced by means of the tooling; f) forming a matching mold set contra half against the layer of calibration material while the calibration material and the thin-skinned mold are supported by the bolster; g) removing the matching mold set contra half from the combination of the calibration material, the thin-skinned mold and the bolster and thereafter removing the calibration material from the inner surface of the thin-skinned mold; h) aligning the combination of the bolster and the thin-skinned mold with the matching mold set contra half to define a cavity corresponding to the space previously occupied by the calibration material; i) coating the surfaces defining the cavity with a release agent and thereafter casting a rigid skin member in the cavity; j) removing the matching mold set contra half from registration with the combination of the bolster and the thin-skinned mold, and k) removing the thin-skinned mold from the bolster.