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3D printing technique applied to rapid casting

Elena Bassoli (Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy)
Andrea Gatto (Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy)
Luca Iuliano (Department of Production Systems and Business Economics, Polytechnique of Turin, Turin, Italy)
Maria Grazia Violante (Department of Production Systems and Business Economics, Polytechnique of Turin, Turin, Italy)

Rapid Prototyping Journal

ISSN: 1355-2546

Article publication date: 5 June 2007

17584

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify the feasibility and evaluate the dimensional accuracy of two rapid casting (RC) solutions based on 3D printing technology: investment casting starting from 3D‐printed starch patterns and the ZCast process for the production of cavities for light‐alloys castings.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from the identification and design of a benchmark, technological prototypes were produced with the two RC processes. Measurements on a coordinate measuring machine allowed calculating the dimensional tolerances of the proposed technological chains. The predictive performances of computer aided engineering (CAE) software were verified when applied to the ZCast process modelling.

Findings

The research proved that both the investigated RC solutions are effective in obtaining cast technological prototypes in short times and with low costs, with dimensional tolerances that are completely consistent with metal casting processes.

Practical implications

The research assessed the feasibility and dimensional performances of two RC solutions, providing data that are extremely useful for the industrial application of the considered technologies.

Originality/value

The paper deals with experimental work on innovative techniques on which data are still lacking in literature. In particular, an original contribution to the determination of dimensional tolerances and the investigation on the predictive performances of commercial CAE software is provided.

Keywords

Citation

Bassoli, E., Gatto, A., Iuliano, L. and Grazia Violante, M. (2007), "3D printing technique applied to rapid casting", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 148-155. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552540710750898

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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