Rapid Tooling Technology replace some EDM work ?

Interesting article in Manuf. Engineering magazine (link below) on a thermay spray process Ford is using to create dies via an additive process rather than the usual subtrative process. Seems like advances in this process could have profound impact on future EDM jobs..yes or no?

www.sme.org/cgi-bin/get-mag.pl?&&01nom036&000007&2001/01nom036&ARTME&SME&

(below reply was taken from the EDM Talk forum)

From: Herode

Mail: [email protected]
Date: 1/3/02

There is no doubt that additive machining techniques are going to reduce the need for EDM work, both Sinker and Wire. These methods also eliminate many components of tools such as inserts and laminates,nuts and bolts as well,ie... mill, lathe, grinding etc. etc.

Just as computers have made it easier for far less skill to produce far more products in toolrooms all over the world. The true Machinist-toolmaker MUST evolve and embrace all the new technologies.That is exactly why we are finding it hard to find jobs right now. Toolrooms in China and the world over are taking every technological shortcut they can to produce tools. Only by finding these competitive shops and making ourselves employable to them do we guarantee our right to continue in our love of the "Trade". I prefer to call my self a machinist since I pride myself in being versatile in as many modes of toolmaking as possible. Employers (especially small shops) do not like to see the words toolmaker and moldmaker because in the beancounter mentality they are "too expensive", too "picky",and expect a clean, well lit working enviroment. In the Manufacturing Engineering article the "Master toolmaker" Joe Szuba says himslef...“This technology works, but too many hurdles were continually presenting themselves. Now that it’s developed, we needed to shift our strategy to commercializing it.” Yea,like, let someone else figure it out! Well Mr.Manufacturing specialist,let me get MY hands on one! Ask any good WEDM operator and he will tell you "If only we could run the wire backwords and put steel back on!" Now we can!