Surface Generation Ltd - Capabilities

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Capabilities
Surface Generation's Reconfigurable Pin Tooling technology has been designed specifically to be accurate, cost effective and rugged. Built around a scalable, agile design philosophy, a single automation Driver Module installation can be used to adjust multiple NPT Support or SPT Consumable pin bed Modules minimising costs. Capable of producing plastic, metallic and ceramic moulds, this approach reduces the effort and material required to make a tool to a fraction of conventional processes and:
• enables rapid iteration of designs through material addition or subtraction. • allows immediate re-use of over 90% of the mould for future projects. • allows tools to be re-used not stored. • enables the economic production of a batch size of one component. • integrates seamlessly into existing production facilities. • delivers an exceptionally rapid return on investment.

Once the mold surface is in place, Reconfigurable Pin Tools can be coupled to Surface Generation’s ‘Real-Time’ heating and cooling technology to precisely and efficiently process both thermoplastic and thermoset parts. By using self-heated tools that apply heat locally, multiple PID control loops can hold the mold surface to a precise temperature. Ramp rates in excess of 200 deg C per minute are possible up tot 450 deg C giving high line throughputs which in turn reduces WIP. Using adaptive algorithms the Real-Time system manages part processing to ensure compliance with Functional Specifications – crucial in a world where customers’ designs are becoming ever more sophisticated.	This unique process allows even ‘soft’ tool surfaces to produce medium volumes through the refurbishment of discrete regions of the mould. The basic flexibility of the NPT & SPT approach allows them to operate in a broad spectrum of pressure, temperature and impact environments and permits the precision manufacture of moulds ranging in size from sports goods to aircraft wings.