Title: Analysis of dimensional accuracy of RP pattern and RTV mould inserts using DOE technique

Authors: Sagar Kumar

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. K.N. Modi University, Newai Rajasthan, 304021, India

Abstract: This paper presents the dimensional accuracy of the wax replicas generated by room temperature vulcanisation (RTV) silicon rubber moulding for stepped bar pattern to be used in investment casting. The main purpose of this research work is to investigate the effect of process parameters on dimensional accuracy and test its practical implication in RTV moulding technique. To study the influence of process factors, a 3-factor 4-level (L16) orthogonal array experiment is designed as per Taguchi method and the result is reported. A case study for research of dimensional accuracy of wax patterns created by RTV silicone rubber mould had not been attempted as earlier for stepped bars. As this appends an additional stage in the tooling process, it is evident to estimate and predict the dimensional deviation from RP model and its wax replica. Experimental results show the dimensional accuracy in RTV technique is accurately the same as in traditional moulding. It was realised that RTV tooling technique can be used efficiently to produce wax patterns at optimum condition in investment casting.

Keywords: design of experiments; rapid tooling; RT; rapid prototyping; RP; soft tooling; room temperature vulcanised silicone; RTV mould shrinkage; shrinkage variation in X, Y, Z directions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDE.2023.131956

International Journal of Design Engineering, 2023 Vol.12 No.1, pp.1 - 10

Received: 15 Dec 2021
Received in revised form: 04 Jun 2022
Accepted: 17 Jul 2022
Published online: 05 Jul 2023 *