Patternless and Digital Production of Molds and Cores For Sand Casting Applications Using ProMetal Rapid Casting Technology

摘要

Three-dimensional printing technology continues to develop new materials, processes and equipment for emerging markets, novel applications and as a means to decrease costs and timing compared to conventional manufacturing techniques. Adding to their capability to manufacture metal parts and tooling via 3D Printing, the ProMetal Division of Extrude Hone Corporation has recently introduced Rapid Casting Technology (RCT). RCT is a systems approach to manufacture sand molds and cores without the requirement to manufacture a pattern or series of patterns. Using the technical principles embedded in 3D Printing technology, complicated sand molds and cores are 3D Printed in the 1.5M x 0.75M x 0.70M Job Box, using conventional foundry sand, resin binder and an activator. An integrated material handling system transports the Job Box from the 3D Printing Process Station, by means of powered material conveyance equipment, to the Unloading Station, where the molds and cores are removed. Simplicity in the system design enables alternative layouts and the ability to reconfigure the equipment as production requirements change.