Investigation of Investment Casting Pattern Using Fused Deposition Modeling

Abstract

In today's economic climate, various organizations fight with decreasing sales and increasing costs. However, industries that have implemented the process of investment casting have found it to be an effective method for manufacturing complex metallic parts at a low cost. High tooling costs and long manufacturing time are associated with the metal mold production for producing investment casting wax (sacrificial) patterns. It leads to a problem in cost justification for personalized single castings or the production of small lots. The present study evaluates the suitability of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)-fabricated patterns for investment casting. For this, a case study on a part was also conducted to collect experimental data regarding the process. A trial component was fabricated in an FDM machine and then cast by the investment method. This research demonstrated reduced process time and cost for small- and medium-sized batches.