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IGES
Initial Graphics Exchange Specification; a neutral CAD data format still used for exchanging surfaces and wireframe data.
Rapid Prototyping Glossary
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Definitions for commercial rapid prototyping, production, machining, casting, moulding, finishing and inspection terms.
Impact resistance
A material's ability to resist sudden loading without fracturing.
In-cavity pressure sensing
Monitoring cavity pressure during moulding to improve process control and part consistency.
Infill
The internal structure generated in some additive parts to balance weight, strength and build time.
Inhibitor
A substance that slows or prevents a chemical reaction, such as resin cure or corrosion.
Injection moulding
A process in which molten polymer is injected into a mould cavity and cooled to form a part.
Injection pressure
The pressure used to push molten material into the mould cavity.
Injection speed
The programmed rate at which the screw advances to fill the cavity; also called fill speed in some process settings. It affects shear, cosmetic finish, burn risk and weld-line formation.
Injection unit
The section of the moulding machine that plasticises, meters and injects the polymer into the tool. It typically includes the hopper, barrel, screw, heater bands, non-return valve and nozzle.
Injection-compression moulding
A hybrid moulding process that combines injection with a compression step to improve fill, lower stress and suit larger or lower-warpage parts.
Insert
A separate component embedded in a moulded, machined or assembled part, often metallic and often threaded.
Insert moulding
Moulding around a pre-placed insert so the insert becomes integral to the finished part.
Inspection fixture
A fixture designed to hold a part repeatably for measurement or attribute checks.
Interference fit
A fit in which mating parts are intentionally sized to create a press or friction fit.
Interpolation
A programmed machine movement that blends axes together to create straight lines, arcs, helices or more complex paths.
Inverse time feed
A feed programming method, common in multi-axis machining, in which feed is defined as the inverse of the time needed to complete a move.
Investment casting
A casting process using expendable patterns and ceramic shells to create precise metal parts.
ISO 2768
A general tolerancing standard often used when individual dimensions are not given specific tolerances.
Isocyanate
A reactive chemical component commonly mixed with a polyol in polyurethane and reaction injection moulding systems.