Title: Application of fusion deposition modelling for rapid investment casting - a review

Authors: Parlad Kumar; I.P.S. Ahuja; Rupinder Singh

Addresses: University College of Engineering, Punjabi University, Patiala-147002, Punjab, India. ' University College of Engineering, Punjabi University, Patiala-147002, Punjab, India. ' Department of Production Engineering, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India

Abstract: The rapid prototyping technologies are being used in the various fields of engineering. The ability of producing very small and intricate details makes the rapid prototyping technologies suitable for making patterns for investment casting. Moreover, by using rapid prototyping technologies the patterns can be produced without the necessity of costly hard tooling. The rapid prototyping technologies are considered very useful when only limited numbers of pieces are promptly required as in making prototypes, design iterations and design optimisations. The fusion deposition modelling (FDM) is a rapid prototyping technology that can use a number of materials which can be effectively used for making patterns for investment casting. Different non-wax materials are available which can be used for making patterns and can be burnt easily during autoclaving/firing. This paper reviews the suitability of FDM for making patterns for investment casting. The direct and indirect methods of producing casting patterns along with different approaches have been discussed. Different available FDM materials and their properties have been presented. The pattern accuracy depends upon a number of FDM process parameters. Various process parameters have been identified to obtain the desirable dimensional accuracy and surface finish of the casting patterns.

Keywords: fusion deposition modelling; fused deposition modelling; FDM; rapid prototyping; RP; rapid investment casting; casting patterns; surface finish; dimensional accuracy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMATEI.2012.049254

International Journal of Materials Engineering Innovation, 2012 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.204 - 227

Received: 02 Sep 2011
Accepted: 11 Jan 2012
Published online: 23 Aug 2014 *

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