Investigations for a statistically controlled rapid casting solution of lead alloys using three-dimensional printing

摘要

The purpose of the present investigation is to study the feasibility of decreasing the shell thickness for a statistically controlled rapid casting solution of lead alloy using three-dimensional printing technology. Starting from the identification of a component/benchmark, technological prototypes were produced with different shell thickness. Measurements on a coordinate measuring machine helped in calculating the dimensional tolerances of the castings produced. Some important mechanical properties were also compared to verify the suitability of the castings and further results are supported by microstructure analysis. The study suggested that the shell thickness having a value less than the recommended one is more suitable from a dimensional accuracy and an economic point of view. The provided data from the experimentation are extremely useful for the industrial application of the considered technology. The result indicates that at 1 mm shell thickness, the hardness of the casting improves from the recommended 12 mm. Further, production costs and production time have been reduced by 45.75 and 43 per cent, respectively, in comparison with the 12 mm recommended shell thickness.