Product Spotlight


3D Systems Transforming Foundries with New 3D Printing Solution for Investment Casting Wax Patterns


of its new 3D printing solution for investment casting professionals, the ProJet®


3D RealWax™


Systems, the originator of 3D printing, today announced availability


MJP 2500 IC, which produces patterns in a fraction of the


time and cost compared to traditional pattern production. Drawing on 3D Systems’ deep expertise and unique workflow approach including software, hardware, materials and services, this digital foundry solution is designed to transform a centuries-old manufacturing process – enabling significant time and cost savings and creating new possibilities for the types of parts that can be cast. Typical production time for a 3D


printed wax pattern is a few hours or less; no time or money is wasted on an injection molding process for traditional pattern tools. Cost reductions for initial patterns can be significant when the cost of traditional injection molding tooling is taken into account. For example, in a cost comparison analysis conducted by Mueller Additive Manufacturing Solutions, a pattern tool for a mechanical cam cost $6,050 while the 3D printed equivalent pattern cost less than $25 - with the only lead time being the short time to print the pattern. An ideal solution for the production


of metal cast components, the ProJet MJP 2500 IC is well suited to span production needs from the iterative, initial design phase to bridge manufacturing and low volume production. Working in a digital workflow provides complete design freedom, enabling wax patterns to benefit from topology optimization, lightweighting, and part consolidation. Design files are prepared for 3D printing and managed with 3D Sprint™ software. The patterns are produced in VisiJet® M2 ICast, 100% wax material which


®


delivers the same melt and burn-out characteristics of standard casting waxes and fits seamlessly into existing foundry protocols. “The wax patterns produced on


the ProJet MJP 2500 IC are incredible. We are able to produce parts that were previously not able to be produced using traditional wax injection molding. Additionally, the part quality, surface finish and accuracy have allowed us to move more of our production to this product. Finally, the complexity of parts that we can now produce has enabled new functionality that we can offer our customers,” said Al Hinchey, 3D print manager, Invest Cast, Inc. 3D Systems’ MultiJet Printing (MJP)


technology enables smooth surface finishes, sharp edges and fine details with high fidelity and repeatability to hold tight tolerances. Design iterations and design optimization for complex parts can now be done quickly and economically. “In keeping with 3D Systems’


strategy of transforming manufacturing with optimized additive manufacturing solutions, we developed the ProJet MJP 2500 IC to improve both the economics and functionality of investment casting patterns and the resulting parts. According to Mueller Additive Manufacturing Solutions, the global investment casting market is valued at nearly $14 billion which includes parts for the aircraft and automotive


industries. The ProJet MJP 2500 IC not only eliminates the need for injection- molded tools, it could potentially increase the casted part functionality while reducing part weight, both critical factors for improving part efficiency,” said Mike Stanicek, vice president, product management, plastics, 3D Systems. “This also means that service foundries can now charge a premium for parts produced in days instead of weeks. The ProJet MJP 2500 IC is a genuine game-changer for all industries that use investment casting.”


About 3D Systems


3D Systems is the originator of 3D printing and an innovator of future 3D solutions. It has spent its 30-year history enabling professionals and companies to optimize their designs, transform their workflows, bring groundbreaking products to market and drive new business models. This is achieved with the Company’s best of breed digital manufacturing ecosystem. It’s comprised of plastic and metal 3D printers, print materials, on demand manufacturing


services and end-to-


end manufacturing software solutions. Combinations of these products and services address a variety of advanced applications- ranging from Aerospace, Automotive, and Consumer Goods to Medical, Dental, and Jewelry. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.


November 2018 ❘ 33


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