There are two main methods for traditional mold manufacturing: one is to generate a CAD geometric model of the mold using a geometric modeling system, and then program all the forming surfaces of the mold NC to obtain their CAM data. The mold blank is processed on a CNC machine tool, and then precision molds are obtained through electrical discharge machining; Another method is to generate conjugate electrode CAD models with the same geometric shape as the mold forming surface from the part model, and then program the NC of the electrode surface to generate its CAM data. Then, the electrode components are machined on a CNC machine tool, assembled into a whole electrode, and used for precision mold processing. This method of using CNC machining not only requires time-consuming manual programming, but also has a longer processing time and higher cost.

Precision casting molds based on rapid prototyping technology have many advantages, such as high cavity accuracy, smooth surface, and the ability to perform minimal or no mechanical processing. For molds with complex shapes (two-dimensional curved surfaces with complex cavities) such as automotive body stamping molds, it can save a lot of material and processing costs (about

1/2 to 1/3) can greatly shorten the entire mold making cycle, reduce production costs, and have significant economic benefits. Foreign precision casting has been used in the production of injection molds, extrusion molds, punching molds, forging molds, and other molds.

The precision casting mold process based on rapid prototyping technology is to first complete the three-dimensional design of the mold, and then use rapid prototyping equipment to quickly manufacture the prototype of the mold within a few or dozens of hours. Then, combined with investment casting, gypsum casting, ceramic casting, lost foam casting, thermosetting resin sand casting, transfer coating and other casting processes, precise mold blanks are quickly manufactured.