Design and Development of mould of UTP souvenir photo frame using Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Tooling technique

This project is to design and develop a case study prototype using Rapid Prototyping and
Rapid Tooling process. Rapid Prototyping (RP) can be defined as a group of techniques
used to quickly fabricate a scale model of a part or assembly using three-dimensional
computer aided design (CAD) data. Rapid tooling is a TCT that reduce time to market by
streamlining product development cycle. Due to bigb demand of the souvenir especially
during convocation ceremony, this university should have their souvenir that is practical,
elegant and not too expensive in a short period. The objective of the study is to study
prototyping and rapid tooling and to develop mould using Investment Casting technique
This study will involve designing and developing mould product besides doing cost
analysis and time management. This project commenced with research phase analysis of
rapid tooling technique proceeds my mould development and conclude with analysis
phase. Extensive study and method analysis and tool identification were carried out
during research phase. The mould development phase began with designing 3D CAD
drawing of photo frame souvenir followed by producing prototype using RP machine and
proceed with investment casting. The analysis was made based on observation
comparison of time completion, cost and the quality of the mold. From the analysis, we
find that the investment casting is good for low cost production, with bigb accuracy, and
bigb production product, but not for complicated shape design.