What's the difference between quick-loading mold and traditional mold?

There are some differences between rapid prototyping and traditional prototyping. Here are some of their main differences:

Manufacturing time: the manufacturing time of rapid prototyping is relatively short, usually it can be completed in a few days or weeks. Traditional molds need a long manufacturing cycle, usually weeks or even months.

Manufacturing cost: Rapid tooling costs less because they use rapid manufacturing technologies and materials, such as 3D printing and rapid milling. Traditional molds are expensive to manufacture because they usually require more materials and more complicated processing procedures.

Scope of application: rapid prototyping is suitable for small batch production and rapid sample preparation, especially in the stage of product development and prototyping. Traditional molds are suitable for mass production and can meet higher production requirements.

Flexibility and modification ability: Rapid tooling has high flexibility and modification ability, which can quickly change and modify the design. It is difficult to modify the traditional mold after the design is determined, and it needs to be re-manufactured or greatly modified.

Quality and durability: Traditional molds usually have higher quality and durability because they use traditional manufacturing processes and materials. The quality and durability of rapid tooling may be low, especially in the case of mass production and long-term use.

It is necessary to select the appropriate mold type according to the specific needs and project requirements. Rapid tooling is suitable for rapid prototyping and small batch production, while traditional tooling is suitable for large batch production and long-term use.