The Application of 3D Printing in Precision Casting

The Application of 3D Printing in Precision Casting

In the traditional precision casting method of using open mold pressing wax mold casting, wax molds require molds, and small batch production of complex parts faces problems such as high cost, long cycle, and difficulty in repeatedly modifying design verification. These issues can be changed by using 3D printing for rapid precision casting, achieving rapid production of castings. Today, we will talk about the application of 3D printing in precision casting.

With the rapid development of 3D printing technology and the application of computer technology, importing product 3D design drawings directly into equipment can directly obtain casting prototypes, which can be used to replace traditional wax molds. The structural design and process formulation of precision castings, as well as the design and manufacturing of pressure molds and wax molds, have brought about changes in the production of precision castings.

1、 The Application of 3D Printing in Rapid Precision Casting

SLA (Stereo Lithography Appearance) is a 3D printing process with high precision and good forming quality. By using SLA photopolymerization 3D printing technology to directly print resin molds instead of traditional casting wax molds for casting production, the wax mold opening process can be eliminated. It is a rapid prototyping technology that can meet the precision and surface quality requirements of the casting industry at the same time, with a high success rate and more environmentally friendly. Then, using UV light as the light source and liquid photosensitive resin as the raw material, under computer control, sample printing is accumulated layer by layer according to the cross-sectional data of the three-dimensional graphics. The UV cured prototype used for precision casting must be made into a hollow shape. After printing and molding, the uncured resin should be poured out to form a hollow pattern. The resin outlet should be sealed, and then a wax pouring system should be installed to make the shell. The evacuated prototype with a wall thickness can be made into 0.6mm thin sheets, which can evaporate and gasify during firing, achieving a state of no impurities. It is an ideal casting production process suitable for high-strength, large-sized, and high-precision parts casting production.

2、 The advantages of 3D printing in precision casting

1. Make precision casting production more flexible and adaptable, using special internal structures with good strength and light weight to meet the requirements of modern industry for fast, high-quality, and accurate castings.

2. Support innovative design concepts and lightweight transformation of weapons.

3. No need for molds, saving time for mold opening and repair, and shortening the development cycle.

4. It can produce precision cast castings with complex structures, and good quality and high precision.

Precision machining