Develop and optimize tools used to create products, such as molds, dies, and jigs.
Manufacturing processes: This is the foundational topic in tool design, which involves understanding various manufacturing processes, including shaping, cutting, joining, and forming.
Materials science: This involves understanding materials properties, including their mechanical, chemical, thermal, and electrical properties. It also includes knowledge of material selection for different manufacturing processes.
CAD: Computer-aided design (CAD) involves using software programs to create and design products. In tool design, CAD is used to create 3D models of tools, which can be edited and modified as required.
CAM: Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is the use of computer software to control and automate manufacturing processes. CAM is used in tool design to program CNC machines to produce the required tools.
Engineering drawings: These are the technical drawings that communicate design details to manufacturers. In tool design, detailed engineering drawings are created for each tool, including part numbers, dimensions, and tolerances.
Tool geometry: This involves understanding the shape and size of various tools, including drills, cutters, and punches. Understanding tool geometry is critical in tool design, as it determines the performance of the tool and its ability to shape materials.
Tool materials: Tool materials are selected based on the manufacturing process and the material being shaped. Tool materials include high-speed steel, tungsten carbide, and titanium carbide.
Heat treatment: Heat treatment involves altering the properties of materials by heating and cooling them. Heat treatment is a critical aspect of tool design, as it affects the strength, durability, and wear resistance of tools.
Surface finishes: Surface finishes are used to improve the appearance, texture, and performance of tools. Surface finishes include coatings, polishing, and sandblasting.
Quality control: Quality control involves ensuring that tools meet the required standards and specifications. In tool design, quality control involves testing and inspecting tools to ensure that they are functioning correctly and meet the required performance criteria.
Casting: A process that involves pouring molten metal or other material into a mold and allowing it to cool and solidify to create a specific shape.
Forging: A process that involves shaping metal by heating it until it becomes malleable and then shaping it with a hammer or press.
Machining: A process that involves using cutting tools to remove material from a workpiece and create a specific shape.
Injection molding: A process that involves injecting liquid plastic into a mold and allowing it to cool and solidify to create a specific shape.
Extrusion: A process that involves forcing a material through a die to create a specific shape.
Grinding: A process that involves using a grinding wheel to remove material from a workpiece and create a specific shape.
Sheet metal forming: A process that involves bending and shaping thin sheets of metal to create a specific shape.
EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining): A process that involves using a charge to erode material from a workpiece and create a specific shape.
Laser cutting: A process that involves using a laser to cut or engrave material to create a specific shape.
Rapid prototyping: A process that involves using 3D printing technology to create a physical prototype of a tool design.