RAPID PROTOTYPING AND RAPID MANUFACTURING FOR THE MODERN INVESTMENT CASTER

摘要

This paper will detail the production of wax patterns with 3D Systems' ThermoJet solid object printer, utilizing existing processes and equipment available in every investment casting foundry. These patterns are used for the production of prototype and limited run investment castings, and can also be used as a means of developing a casting process far in advance of having wax patterns available from a production wax injection mold. Streamlining of the product development and introduction process, saving substantial time and manufacturing costs over existing methods will be demonstrated with the results from two case studies.