There are two methods of rapid tooling, indirect and direct. Indirect processes are those that require a pattern, typically produced from a rapid prototyping system, to create the tooling inserts.
Direct methods produce the inserts from a rapid prototyping system without an intermediate process.
Various available rapid tooling methods are listed below as either indirect or direct methods. Additionally, the last category contains processes that use conventional techniques. Indirect Methods Epoxy tooling Two-part, aluminum filled epoxy is cast onto a pattern. Typical yield is 100 to 200 injection molded parts. Metal is melted, atomized and sprayed directly onto a pattern.