Prototype casting fabrication by stereolithography
A new product development technology is emerging which could have a major impact on the investment casting industry. It's identified by several names, the most common of which is STEREOLITHOGRAPHY.'' This technology involves a three-dimensional printing process which will yield plastic parts (polymer models) from solid, surface, or wireframe CAD files. The concept links a CAD database to a process which guides a laser beam to solidify liquid photo-curable polymer into a programmed shaped. The process can produce models in far less time and at far less cost than can be done by other known (conventional) model producing methods. Parts that would normally require weeks or months to prototype with conventional processes can be produced in a matter of hours by Stereolithography. The Allied-Signal Inc., Kansas City Division, is engaged in a development project (funded by the Department of Energy) which is aimed at establishing this process as a practical, expedient, and cost-effective method fabricating prototype investment castings. The early phases of the project include procurement of a special designed test unit for several companies (Service Centers) involved in fabrication of models. These models are produced in various materials and used in experimental casting programs being conducted with four casting suppliers (two ferrous and two non-ferrous). This presentation will cover the objectives of the project and the results obtained up to this time. We will also briefly review future plans for the continuation of the project, until this new technology has been proven as a viable process for rapid development of investment castings.
- Research Organization:
- Allied-Signal Aerospace Co., Kansas City, MO (USA). Kansas City Div.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/DP
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00613
- OSTI ID:
- 6236930
- Report Number(s):
- KCP-613-4427; CONF-9010279-1; CONF-9010280-1; CONF-9010281-1; ON: DE91004289
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Roundup '90: Investment Casting Institute fall technology conference and expo; Allied-Signal Aerospace Company conference on computer aided engineering; SME conference on prototyping and the role of stereolithography, Dallas, TX (USA); Morristown, NJ (USA); Kansas City, MO (USA), 7 Oct 1990; 3 Oct 1990; 26 Oct 1990
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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