Development of Intricate Automotive Components Particulate Metal Matrix Composite through Rapid-Prototyping-Integrated Investment Casting

摘要

The present study describes the forming aspect of cast particulate metal-matrix composite (PMMC) material through integrated manufacturing system using computer-aided design (CAD), rapid-prototyping (RP) and investment casting process. The wax patterns of different automobile components like crank case from CAD model and rapid prototyping followed by silicon rubber mould are used for investment casting. The manufacturing of complex shape and thin-wall components with PMMC material which poses a great difficulty due to their poor fluidity has been investigated. The methoding of complicated parts have been designed for smooth dewaxing of ceramic shells and burning of the shells. Subsequently, the pouring of particulate metal-matrix composite (PMMC) is carried out by designing the optimum preheat ceramic shell temperature for overcoming the fluidity problem.