Molding apparatus and method for making a cutting tool

A method for forming a cutting tool from a granulated mixture of one or more materials, the method comprising the steps of:

• attaching a first end cap having a core pin to a first end of an elastic bag having an interior cavity;
• placing a fill sleeve over the elastic bag after attaching the first end cap, such that a first end of the fill sleeve engages the first end cap;
• filling the interior cavity of the bag with a predetermined quantity of the granulated mixture;
• after filling the interior cavity of the elastic bag, disengaging the fill sleeve from the first end cap and removing the fill sleeve from around the bag;
• placing a pressure sleeve over the filled elastic bag such that a first end of the pressure sleeve engages the first end cap;
• attaching a second end cap to a second end of elastic bag and a second end of the pressure sleeve;
• and
• applying a predetermined pressure load substantially uniformly over at least a portion of an exterior of the elastic bag.

A method for forming a cutting tool from a granulated mixture of one or more materials, the method comprising the steps of:

• attaching a first end cap having a core pin to a first end of an elastic bag having an interior cavity;
• filling the interior cavity of the bag with a predetermined quantity of the granulated mixture;
• placing a pressure sleeve over the filled elastic bag such that a first end of the pressure sleeve engages the first end cap;
• attaching a second end cap to a second end of elastic bag and a second end of the pressure sleeve;
• and
• applying a predetermined pressure load substantially uniformly over at least a portion of an exterior of the elastic bag, wherein the first end cap comprises an outer portion having a first diameter, an intermediate portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, the intermediate portion raised from the outer portion, and a boss extending from the intermediate portion, and
• wherein attaching the first end cap comprises frictionally engaging an exterior circumference of the boss with an internal circumference of the first end of the elastic bag.