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A recent approach is to use an industrial robot to perform machining operations as if it were a CNC machine. The versatility that this type of equipment offers is what has allowed us to explore new methods for the manufacture of molds.
In the conventional molding process, regardless of the curing mechanism of the sand, what is most common is to use positive models of the piece to be manufactured; these can be made of wood, aluminum or some rigid industrial foam such as polystyrene. A more recent method in which some companies have shown interest, especially for rapid prototyping and high flexibility, is the manufacture of patternless molds.
This new molding trend means that, in order to manufacture a one-piece mold, the positive model of the mold is no longer required. The mold is made directly with the cavity of the piece, using a cutting tool to remove the surplus material.
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