Direct rapid manufacturing of molds with conformal cooling channels

Purpose This review paper aims to provide an overview of applications of direct rapid manufacturing assisted mold with conformal cooling channels (CCCs) and shows the potential of this technique in different manufacturing processes. Design/methodology/approach Key publications from the past two decades have been reviewed. Findings This study concludes that direct rapid manufacturing technique plays a dominant role in the manufacturing of mold with complicated CCC structure which helps to improve the quality of final part and productivity. The outcome based on literature review and case study strongly suggested that in the near future direct rapid manufacturing method might become standard procedure in various manufacturing processes for fabrication of complex CCCs in the mold. Practical implications Advanced techniques such as computer-aided design, computer-aided engineering simulation and direct rapid manufacturing made it possible to easily fabricate the effective CCC in the mold in various manufacturing processes. Originality/value This paper is beneficial to study the direct rapid manufacturing technique for development of the mold with CCC and its applications in different manufacturing processes.