Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 8

It may be hard to believe, but 3D printing processes have been around now for more than three decades. Sand printing came along later, in 1999, when a group of German engineers developed the idea. The first system was sold to BMW Ag in 2001. Today, digital part creation for foundries is well established among early adopters, but foundries themselves have been slower to adopt the technology directly because of the high cost of the early machines and some of the site requirements. The good news is that the cost has come down and today’s 3D sand printing systems can be installed quickly into a regular foundry environment with little fuss. Here are the top reasons foundries should take another look at adopting their own 3D printing system: 1. Overnight Sand Molds & Cores 3D printing makes it possible to create complex sand molds and cores with fine finishes within a business day. Compare that to traditional processes, such as match plates or core boxes, which can take several weeks or more. It is now possible to go from design to print to pour within a single day, a cost-saving convenience for customers and foundries alike. 2. Digital = Design Freedom With 3D printing, added part complexity is free of extra machining charges for toolpath designs, and complexity doesn’t require extra time either. Design modifications can be made to the CAD file quickly. What’s more, once a foundry goes digital, it can also use solidification design software to ensure a better first pour with less waste. PRABH GOWRISANKARAN General Manager EnvisionTEC, Exclusive Strategic Partner of Viridis3D ARTICLE TAKEAWAYS: 1. From design to print to pour in one day 2. Virtual digital warehouse – means no tooling inventory TOP 5 REASONS FOUNDRIES ARE GOING 3D 24