Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 9

3D printing of molds and cores for foundry use is a newer technology but one that is rapidly taking off and being adapted by many different industries. 3D printing the mold and/or core directly from a CAD file allows customers to design and print geometrically complex media, bypassing the fabrication of tooling to create the core or mold, which is typical of conventional casting methods. With a dramatically increased design freedom and the ability to scale production volumes easily, delivery can happen in days- not weeks or months. ALYSSA M. CORRAL Marketing & Social Media Coordinator Hoosier Pattern Co. ARTICLE TAKEAWAYS: • Foundry sand cores/molds are 3D printed directly from CAD files • No longer need to alter design for manufacturability • Reduce lead times and meet tight deadlines 3D SAND PRINTING = SHORTER LEAD TIMES 30 HOW IT WORKS The 3D sand printer selectively dispenses foundry-grade resin into thin layers of specially engineered sand. With an on-demand sand management system, a print head offering precise dosing of the binding agent, and capabilities for complex internal details, the process produces accurate, uniform cores and molds rapidly, significantly reducing lead time. If you can design it, it can be built. Have a specific need, but don’t have the resources to design it? Out sourcing your molds and cores to be 3D printed, is a readily available option and an easy way to take advantage of this powerful technology. When you outsource, you can benefit from experienced designers that do this on a daily basis, and are able to provide experience ranging from CNC patterns to foundry gating, CAD designs, as realized by their 3D sand printer to give you the complexity you need, with the tolerances your product requires.