Title: The development of a framework between the 3D printed patterns and sand-cast work pieces

Authors: Taylor Fresques; Derrick Cantrell; Ismail Fidan

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Technology, College of Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA ' Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN 38505, USA ' Manufacturing and Engineering Technology, College of Engineering, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN 38505, USA

Abstract: This paper describes a research project comparing the ability of the latest 3D printers to produce reliable, accurate 3D patterns and to collect their energy consumption information that pertains to the production of various parts used in making sand-cast parts. The goal of this research is to produce 3D printed patterns for the final, near net shape sand-cast parts. The parts chosen to be printed and cast varied in size, shape, and complexity. Also associated with the 3D printed patterns, various draft angles were designed and produced to investigate how they affected pattern removal. The purpose was to make correlations between a high-quality 3D printed pattern and cast piece in relation to their quality of production, cost factors and print time variations. It was also intended to understand the limits of applications of 3D printed patterns to sand casting and to show process efficiencies.

Keywords: 3D printing; sand casting; pattern making; energy consumption; solid modelling; 3D printed patterns.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAPIDM.2015.073575

International Journal of Rapid Manufacturing, 2015 Vol.5 No.2, pp.170 - 185

Received: 07 Sep 2015
Accepted: 07 Sep 2015
Published online: 12 Dec 2015 *

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