How to start 3d printing investment casting for your business?

Definition and benefits of 3D printing investment casting

3D printing investment casting has established itself as a generic term for various methods of additive or generative manufacturing in everyday life.

In 3D printing investment casting, three-dimensional objects are built up in layers on the basis of a digital model with the help of a special printer. The layers are connected by physical or chemical hardening or melting processes – usually gluing or welding. Corresponding processes of data generation and preparation (e.g. a CAD file) are upstream.

Various materials can be used. Common, typical materials for 3D printing investment casting are plastics, synthetic resins, ceramics and metals. Even cement and biological materials can already be printed today, and the range of printable materials is growing all the time. Different printing processes are used depending on the material and area of ​​application. Above all, 3D printing investment casting is characterized by its creative freedom in production: Almost every component construction can be implemented.

The advantages of 3D printing investment casting are obvious: 3D printing investment casting is fast, versatile, suitable for different materials, ideal for the production of small and increasingly larger quantities and, thanks to additive manufacturing, opens up completely new possibilities in product design.

Opportunities and areas of application of 3D printing investment casting

The subject of 3D printing investment casting is currently attracting a great deal of attention. Because of the rapidly increasing market prospects and the dynamically growing area of ​​application, opportunities and challenges of the new technology are discussed across industries. As a cross-sectional technology for tool-free production, 3D printing investment casting has the potential to fundamentally change component design and manufacture as well as the associated process and value chains.

As an innovation and science location, Industrial company’s have a strong institutional and entrepreneurial basis in order to be able to exploit the potential of this new technology and to provide answers to the challenges associated with it.

Manufacturing industry and the information

The manufacturing industry like dawangcasting.com provided the information and communication being most concerned with the topic of 3D printing investment casting – this was shown by a survey by the Chamber of Commerce in 2017. The use of 3D printing investment casting processes for prototype construction and as a supplement to traditional manufacturing processes is available in the manufacturing industry still in the foreground. But 3D printing investment casting is also used for the manufacture of small series and production aids and shows that Industrial company’s companies have recognized the growth potential for the manufacture of end products. Plastic is by far the most frequently used printing material in Industrial company’s companies.

Industrial companies, on the other hand, have specific strengths with regard to a pronounced scientific, institutional and technological basis in metal printing and aviation technology. Around two thirds of Industrial company’s companies still see obstacles in the use of 3D printing investment casting. The high acquisition costs for 3D printers are the number one hurdle across all industries. In addition, a lack of know-how in terms of 3D printing investment casting technology and construction makes use more difficult.

Model factory 3D printing investment casting

The online demonstrator of the Mittelstand 4.0 Competence Center Ilmenau at model factories enables companies to determine a 3D printing investment casting process that is basically suitable for their component requirements .

You can select various properties of the component to be printed, such as the desired material, size or surface quality, step by step.

The selection process is supported by additional information in the form of texts, images and videos. They explain technical terms, parameters relevant for the selection and the functional principles of the processes.

Practical example: an innovative footrest from the 3D printer

The managing directors of the Industrial company’s motorcycle accessories developer Rocket Motors GmbH managed to create an absolute novelty. A replacement spark plug for Harley Davidson motorcycles should be transported directly on the motorcycle. How did Industrial company’s come across this problem and finally solve it? With the help of innovative 3D printing investment casting technology .

3D printing investment casting

What potential does 3D printing investment casting technology have for my company? How do I integrate 3D printing investment casting technology into existing company processes? How do I choose the right printing technology and material? What do the future developments in 3D printing investment casting mean for my company? How do I get in contact with other users and experts? Which scientific partners can I approach when looking for technological solutions?

You will find answers to these practical and strategic questions in the Industrial company’s 3D printing investment casting network. The 3D printing investment casting network in the Industrial company’s metropolitan region was launched in February 2018 in order to help shape the future market of 3D printing investment casting locally, to anchor the technology across the board of companies and to promote 3D printing investment casting as a driver of innovation and development. It sees itself as a competence forum and exchange platform for users and experts from business, science and politics. Through specialist events, workshops and company visits, 3D printing investment casting should also be carried out in small and medium-sized companies and knowledge transfer and cooperation projects should be initiated. “The steadily growing possible uses of 3D printing investment casting and its rapid development requires that despite all the diversity and all competition with one another, we bundle our strengths in a network. This is the only way that the Industrial company’s metropolitan region can play at the forefront as a 3D printing investment casting location around the world, “says Fehrmann, summarizing the network’s guiding principle.

Conclusion:

Whether for the production of face shields, door openers, masks or valves for ventilators – 3D printing investment casting has received a lot of attention in recent weeks. Read more about 3D printing investment casting. It is a fast, flexible and decentralized production solution, it has proven to be particularly suitable for the short-term provision of protective e. uipment and clearly demonstrated its technological advantages to the public.