Jesse Brennan
jkbrennan@worldnet.att.net

>>Brian Ross wrote:
>>>
I think the advantage of the  concept is  only in the ability to very rapidly reconfigue a large die set. This enables the direct creation of a die from a cad drawing  (Rhino or more ) and reconfiguring it rapidly after use to another part. This eliminates a lot of diemaking, die storage , die setup, die makers and  a lot of lot of muliple presses set up for occasional use.   Larger parts have large radius curves while small ones  have tighter radius curves . Long radiuses will work with less relative force and unwanted surface marking than those which will occur on tight radiuses on  relatively thicker material. This doesn't mean thicker - but thicker in relation to the bend
curvatures.
The process is perfect for the aircraft industry and  for some of the high value limited production automobiles.  
There is not any advantage in a locked up pin die  over a rigid molded or cast  die for small  parts. It is not easier to make  and is not cheaper than a modeled and cast die.
Jesse