Thermoforming

3D printed thermoforming tooling

Tools for vacuum forming and thermoforming, from prototype to production tool. Made by 3D sand printing from a natural sand material that is 97 % naturally occurring.

3D printed thermoforming tooling

Vacuum instantly across the whole surface

The tools are porous throughout. Vacuum acts across the entire surface; we add vent holes only where they help, for example to ease demoulding. The result: clean edges, even wall thickness, far less webbing, fewer thin spots and air inclusions, even on difficult contours.

Cost like Ureol, tool life like aluminium

Priced at the level of polyurethane tooling (Ureol), yet reaching nearly the tool life and process stability of aluminium moulds. A single mould has already produced more than 10,000 parts from 5 mm ABS. Unlike plastic 3D printed tools, which last only a few parts, our tools are designed for pre-series and small series up to several thousand parts.

Applications

  • Prototypes, sampling, pre-series and small series
  • Packaging, trays and blisters
  • Technical parts, housings and panels
  • Automotive, rail and machinery components
  • Replacement or complement for Ureol and wooden tools

Why 3D printed tooling from Catalysis?

  • Lead time: 2–3 weeks after design approval instead of 3–6 months for aluminium
  • Cost: Around 50 % below aluminium, at the price level of Ureol
  • Tool life: Up to several thousand parts, far beyond Ureol and plastic 3D printing
  • Material: Natural sand material from foundry technology, dimensionally stable, isotropic, no plastic printing
  • One-stop: Design, 3D printing, finishing, quality inspection. No CAD needed on your side
Process

How a project runs

  1. 1Day 0

    Send data

    Tool data or just the part data. We design the tool if you have no CAD.

  2. 2Day 2–4

    Design approval

    You review the 3D design and approve it. Changes are quick at this stage.

  3. 3Day 5–15

    3D printing and finishing

    Sand printing, finishing and quality inspection.

  4. 4Day 14–21

    Delivery

    Shipped on a pallet, usually 2–3 weeks after approval. Base plate and connections on request.

Let's talk about your part

Do you have a specific part? Send us tool or part data, 3D design is included.