Creating molds from a 3D image file

[daveulliott]

Does anybody know of a way to get a 3D model exported to a sort of mold?
I'd love to look into producing some acrylic toys, and I have seen somewhere along the line a process that includes modelling something in 3D and getting a mold made from it, which is then in turn used to make vinyl or acrylic toys.
I saw a thread in the gallery section that mentioned something about a CNC tool. Obviously this would be a service I would have to pay for - anybody ever heard about or done anything like this?
Dave

[fused]

Originally Posted by daveulliott

Does anybody know of a way to get a 3D model exported to a sort of mold?
I'd love to look into producing some acrylic toys, and I have seen somewhere along the line a process that includes modelling something in 3D and getting a mold made from it, which is then in turn used to make vinyl or acrylic toys.
I saw a thread in the gallery section that mentioned something about a CNC tool. Obviously this would be a service I would have to pay for - anybody ever heard about or done anything like this?
Dave

There's a bunch of rapid prototype techniques: stereolithography, laminated object manufacturing, laser sintering, deposition modeling etc. Having used it as a production tool and taught it to students I found the learning curve quite steep. Might be worth looking at one of the many online services that do the prototyping from a supplied model.

[Francois]

Originally Posted by daveulliott

Does anybody know of a way to get a 3D model exported to a sort of mold?
I'd love to look into producing some acrylic toys, and I have seen somewhere along the line a process that includes modelling something in 3D and getting a mold made from it, which is then in turn used to make vinyl or acrylic toys.
I saw a thread in the gallery section that mentioned something about a CNC tool. Obviously this would be a service I would have to pay for - anybody ever heard about or done anything like this?
Dave

Hi,
I think it all depends on the type of model you have, the number of samples and the material you want as well as the budget available. Andrew (aka Fused) is right; there are a number of ways to do what you describe. CNC is one but may or may not be the best approach to duplicate parts (likely not if you want a high volume).
In any case, you can start modeling with Cheetah3D and export your model as an STL part or multiple STL parts as most companies will accept that file format to "treat" your model.
Using a service company (at least for the first model) is certainly the best approach, in terms of cost and TTM (time to market). Google is your best friend here. Do a search for any of these terms (rapid prototype, prototyping, mold making, 3D printing) and you will get lots of links to learn/choose from.
To start : a major player in Europe. Likely not cheap. But I am sure there are a lot of smaller company offering the same type of services.