Options for Implementing Additive Manufacturing Technologies into a Foundry for Small Castings

Abstract

This paper is focused on the possibility of the implementing various additive manufacturing technologies into the investment casting process. The most frequently used AM technologies were employed to print fusible models of valves for musical instruments. This was done to accelerate the production process of new products in the foundry. The output of the work should determine the optimal AM technology according to the quality of surface and shape for creating a fusible model and suitable materials should also be recommended. Furthermore, the financial aspects of the variants were evaluated. For this evaluation, the analyses of the ash content, visual inspection, surface roughness and topography of the printed models were done. After these analyses, the models were formed, moulds were fired and the tin alloy was cast. Castings were subjected to the same analyses as for the models. X-ray inspection was done and finally the defects of the castings were evaluated.