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US 6,412,325 B1Granted
Method for phototyping parts from sheet metal
Assignee3-Dimensional Services
InventorEdward M. Croswell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for prototyping parts from a sheet metal blank in which the sheet metal has at least two spaced edges. The method includes the step of forming a plurality of longitudinally aligned slots through the sheet metal blank to form a bend line extending between two spaced edges on the sheet metal blank. The slots are preferably formed by laser cutting. The sheet metal blank is then bent along the bend line to form the prototype.
Claims4
A method for prototyping parts in preparation for production manufacturing of the parts by stamping dies from a sheet metal blank having spaced edges comprising the steps of:
- forming a plurality of longitudinally aligned slots by laser cutting through the sheet metal blank so that said slots form a bend line extending between two spaced edges of the sheet metal blank, said slots extending entirely through said sheet metal blank thereby forming openings in said sheet metal blank,
- bending the sheet metal blank along said bend line to form the prototype.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.