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CASTING
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Robotic 3-D Printing Aims to Cut Lead Times
ate last year, Palmer Manufacturing & Supply Inc., Spring- field, Ohio, announced a partnership with
Viridis3D LLC, Woburn, Mass., to manufacture and distribute a completely robotic 3-D printer system to metalcasting facilities in North and South America. Con- sidering the reduced cost when compared to many 3-D printers, this robotic additive manufactur- ing (RAM) system has the po- tential to reduce expense and lead times for casting customers. T e Viridis3D system is a
robotic sand-based printer that can produce a mold or core from a CAD fi le so a casting supplier can have a component ready for shipping in a matter of hours. Viridis3D developed the software system, Palmer provided expertise in providing heavy-duty peripherals and ABB, Zurich, helped fi ne-tune the system’s robotics operations. Much like standard 3-D print-
“
Instead of shipping castings around the world, raw materials are shipped and fi les are simply transmitted to 3-D printers in strategic locations.” —JACK PALMER, PALMER MFG. & SUPPLY
ing systems, RAM builds the core or mold from the bottom up, distributing sand evenly across the build area and then apply- ing a binder agent to the struck surface. Additionally, the RAM printing system builds a retaining wall around the part, allowing the build platform to be removed after construction is completed. T e printer can be restarted immediately after one part fi nishes, meaning a conveyor system could lead to a steady fl ow of diff erent parts from one production line, all without the need to change hard
tooling. Additionally, the build enve- lope can be changed from one print to the next, meaning the system minimiz- es material consumption and improves effi ciency from job to job. “Robotic 3-D Printing truly defi nes lean manufacturing,” said Jack Palmer, president, Palmer Manufacturing & Supply. “Instead of shipping castings around the world, raw materials are shipped and fi les are simply transmit- ted to 3-D printers in strategic loca- tions. Castings can be poured the same day and only where you need them.” T e system is currently being beta tested at selected sites in the U.S. ■
The RAM 3-D printing system that can produce molds and cores from a simple CAD fi le. 46 | METAL CASTING DESIGN & PURCHASING | Sept/Oct 2015
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