Process capability study of three dimensional printing as casting solution for non ferrous alloys
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the process capability of three-dimensional printing (3DP)-based casting solutions for non-ferrous alloy (NFA) components.
Design/methodology/approach
After selection and design of benchmark, prototypes for six different NFA materials were prepared by using 3DP (ZCast process)-based shell moulds. Coordinate measuring machine has been used for calculating the dimensional tolerances of the NFA components. Consistency with the tolerance grades of the castings has been checked as per IT grades.
Findings
The results of process capability investigation highlight that the 3DP process as a casting solution for NFA component lies in ±5sigma (s) limit, as regards to dimensional accuracy is concerned. Further, this process ensures rapid production of pre-series industrial prototypes for NFA. Final components prepared are also acceptable as per ISO standard UNI EN 20,286-I (1995).
Originality/value
This research work presents capability of the 3DP process supported with experimental data on basis of various process parameters for the tolerance grade of NFA castings. These statistics can help to enhance the application of 3DP-based NFA casting process in commercial foundry industry.
Keywords
Citation
Kumar, R., Singh, R. and Ahuja, I. (2016), "Process capability study of three dimensional printing as casting solution for non ferrous alloys", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 474-486. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-05-2014-0063
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited