Title: Process capability analysis of three dimensional printing as cost-effective rapid casting solution for low melting alloys

Authors: Kamaljit Singh Boparai; Rupinder Singh; Harwinder Singh

Addresses: Mechanical and Production Engineering Department, Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, India ' Department of Production Engineering, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana, India

Abstract: The present study deals with process capability analysis of three dimensional printing (3DP) process as cost-effective rapid casting solution for low melting alloys. Starting from the identification of component/benchmark, technological prototypes of three different low melting alloys were prepared at different shell wall thickness supported by green sand. Measurements on a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) helped in calculating the dimensional tolerances of the castings produced. Some important mechanical properties were also compared to verify the suitability of the castings. The results of study suggest that 3DP process lies in ±4.5 sigma (σ) limit as regard to cost-effective rapid casting solution for low melting alloys is concerned.

Keywords: process capability analysis; 3D printing; rapid casting; low melting alloys; shell wall thickness; green sand; dimensional tolerances; rapid manufacturing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAPIDM.2015.073574

International Journal of Rapid Manufacturing, 2015 Vol.5 No.2, pp.155 - 169

Accepted: 29 Sep 2015
Published online: 12 Dec 2015 *

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