Pattern-making And castings: How 3D printing can simplify ...3dprintingally.com/whitepaper.pdf ·...

3D Printing Ally isn’t just another service bureau. We are committed topartnering up with our customers to find the best design, process andmaterial to fit their needs. Our engineering team can manage largeprojects as well as offer advice on a single part.

3D Printing allows customers to precisely cast the parts they desire. Rather than having to counselcustomers toward a compromise, it would be more effective for customers to design the part that isoptimal for the application. Looking for ways of added complexity might remove unnecessaryweight or improve performance of the casting component. 3D printing allows pattern-makers toessentially say “don’t worry about the manufacturability.”

3D printing also simplifies the casting process while also overcoming many of its previouslimitations. Suddenly, casting becomes more effective and efficient simultaneously. 3D printing willnot directly take the place of conventional pattern-making because its successes come fromenabling parts that traditional processes couldn’t have produced. Instead of competing with alreadyexisting processes, 3D printing does something greater by collapsing the overall sequence of eventsand rewriting many of the established rules that have been written in conventional manufacturing.

"3D printing allows for more freedom in casting and pattern-making. And it also allows for a fasterprocess as the design is literally taken from CAD file to finished product. Because most designs arealready digital, and the pool of resources for traditional manufacturing is getting smaller, 3D printingcan help relieve the pressure. Keep the true craftsmen on your high value projects and let 3Dprinting fill in the gaps.” - Tyler Pope, co-owner of 3D Printing Ally,

Pattern-making And castings: How 3D printing can simplify the process

www.3dprintingally.com (612) 285-3221 info@3DprintingAlly.com

Historically, pattern-makers have machined foundry patterns. Now,with the accuracy of 3D printing constantly improving, pattern-makers can create molds and cores directly from sand. In the past, theproblem with pattern-making has been that crucial parts of the designhave had to be compromised in order to accommodate requirementsthat typically come with casting.

3D printing can add value in terms of improving the design before the pattern-making even begins. Thecustomer can use 3D printing to cast different versions of the design, testing various castings beforecommitting a final design to production. For example, an undercut might need to be eliminated or theinternal geometry of a design might be too complex.

Did You Know...

Efficiency and Cost Savings

Hear It From The Pro

3D Printing Ally isn't just another service bureau. We are committed to partnering up with ourcustomers to find the best design, process and material to fit their needs. Our engineering

team can manage large projects as well as offer advice on a single part.