Vinarcik, E J

Abstract: Speed to market is a necessity in today's competitive economy. Months and sometimes weeks can drastically change a company's competitive edge and profitability. Most manufacturing strategies with short tooling lead times are limited in their ability to produce complex geometries. Using rapidly designed and manufactured tooling can cut production time for a cast party by as much as 75%. Thus, cast components can be used in the early stages of a new design, at costs comparable to fabricated parts. However, this approach usually sacrifices durability; thus the term bridge tooling is used to represent tooling that will later be replaced by tooling with greater wear resistance and durability.

Keywords:Competitive economy, Economic benefits, Tooling, Wear resistance, Durability, Market.