3D Keltool enables moldmakers to be more competitive with faster deliveries and lower costs. The process creates complex and feature-dense inserts 25 - 40% more efficiently than traditional methods. Because it is a replication process, 3D Keltool is ideal for producing complex, feature-rich molds. Licensees of the process have experienced an increase in both moldmaker productivity (as great as 2X) and shop capacity because they can produce a steady supply of inserts while their moldmakers continue with their normal work. In addition, 3D Keltool inserts will reduce the EDM machining and burning bottleneck in most moldshops. And molders like 3D Keltool inserts because they can mold parts 30% faster than they would with traditional steel inserts. This increase in thermal conductivity is due to their 30% copper content. As for mold life, 3D Keltool inserts are very durable and are capable of 1,000,000 or more shots depending on material, mold design and part geometry.

3D Systems is licensing the 3D Keltool process because moldmakers want to control key technology. Bringing 3D Keltool in-house enables them to leverage their existing internal capabilities and increase moldmaker output without increasing staff. By licensing the process, moldmakers can achieve the fastest delivery performance, minimize costs and get the greatest return on their investment.

A 3D Keltool license provides an organization with the training, documentation, support and intellectual property rights to produce 3D Keltool inserts at a single site. 3D Keltool licensees are mold makers; they have commercial experience making molds for injection molding & die-casting programs. They've produced hundreds of production inserts since licensing the technology and they are commercially successful from the start. Because 3D Keltool is reliable, repeatable and proven, licensees can focus on making inserts and money not on managing a process.

Licensees of the process get commercially proven 3D Keltool technology. They receive the complete 3D Keltool process, Operational Method Sheets (OMS) that document the process, training at our 3D Keltool facility in Valencia, California, and on-site at their facility, as well as support from the 3D Keltool team. The result is the successful transfer of the 3D Keltool process and the licensee is making inserts and money.

The 3D Keltool facility involves three rooms plus some additional space:

• RTV room containing RTV equipment. Typical size is 200 square feet (20 m2) and the room is temperature controlled to 70º F ±2º F (21º C ± 1º).
• Metal room contains mixing equipment and is typically 200-400 square feet (20 to 40 m2), and is temperature controlled to 100ºF ± 2º F (38 º C ± 1º).
• Furnace room contains hydrogen reduction furnace(s) and typically is 200 to 400 square feet (20 to 40 m2), and it has no temperature control requirements.
• A fourth area containing machine shop related equipment (found in most moldmaking facilities) is usually pre-existing in the licensee's facility.

3D Keltool is unique - it is the only commercially proven moldmaking solution that creates production inserts in a prototype timeframe. 3D Keltool produces moldmaking inserts ideal for injection molding and die casting in 8 calendar days. 3D Keltool is a process that is complementary to CNC and EDM machining. It is a tool in the moldmaker's toolbox giving moldmakers a flexible solution that is used to produce prototype, bridge and production moldmaking solution. Hundreds of companies have used thousands of 3D Keltool inserts to mold many millions of parts.