Engineering:Rapid casting

From HandWiki
Short description: Use of 3D printing to create disposable patterns

Rapid casting is an integration of investment casting with rapid prototyping/3D printing. In this technique disposable patterns that are used for forming molds are created by any 3D printing technique, including fused deposition modeling and stereolithography.

Advantages

  • Cheap for batch production
  • Reduced turnaround time
  • Representative prototypes
  • Easier to make patterns
  • Possibility to make the part lighter by removing unwanted material and stiffer by adding rib features.

Advantages of pressure die casting

Procedure

  • A disposable pattern is 3D printed (can be of wax or any plastic used in 3D printing PLA,PETG,Etc.).
  • The pattern, if made of wax, undergoes wax infiltration and other procedures to increase its strength and dewaxing properties.
  • A mold is made by coating the printed pattern using a ceramic slurry.
  • The pattern is melted out of the ceramic mold.
  • Molten metal is poured into mold.

References