3D printing sand casting is an innovative casting method that integrates 3D printing technology and traditional sand casting process. This paper describes its principle, advantages, process and application areas, focusing on its outstanding performance in design freedom, production cycle, accuracy and quality, cost-effectiveness and green environmental protection. This advanced casting technology has revolutionized the manufacture of complex parts for many industries and is of great significance in modern industrial production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
principle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3D printed sand casting is based on a digital three-dimensional model. First of all, the 3D printing equipment is used to print out the sand mold (including upper and lower sand molds, cores, etc.) by stacking special sand materials (usually resin sand containing binder, etc.) layer by layer in accordance with the cross-section information of the model. Then, liquid metal is cast into the cavity formed by the sand mold, and after the liquid metal cools and solidifies, the sand mold is removed to obtain the desired metal casting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
workflows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n
3D modeling<\/strong>The casting model is designed using professional 3D modeling software (e.g. SolidWorks, UG, etc.), and at the same time, the casting process requirements, such as parting surfaces, draft slopes, machining allowances, etc., need to be taken into account, and then the model is converted into a file format suitable for 3D printing (e.g. STL format).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sand Printing<\/strong>: The printing materials (sand and binder) are loaded into the silo of the 3D printing equipment, and under the control of the computer, the nozzle selectively sprays the binder onto the sand layer in accordance with the cross-section data of the model, so that the sand grains are bonded together and build up layer by layer to form the sand pattern. After the printing is completed, the sand model is subjected to appropriate post-processing, such as removing excess sand particles and reinforcing weak parts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Preparation for casting<\/strong>: The printed sand molds are assembled and placed in the casting equipment to prepare the metal liquid for casting. At the same time, the raw metal is melted and treated to achieve the proper casting temperature and composition requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Casting and cooling<\/strong>: Slowly pour the treated liquid metal into the cavity of the sand mold to ensure that the liquid metal fully fills the cavity. After casting, wait for the liquid metal to cool and solidify naturally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sand Cleaning and Post-treatment<\/strong>: After the castings are cooled, the sand mold is removed by vibration, sandblasting, cutting, etc. to obtain the castings. Then the castings are cleaned, polished, heat-treated, machined and other post-treatment processes to meet the final product quality requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n