Automated Fabrication of Complex Shape Metallic Parts Using Mold Decomposed Injection Sculpturing

Abstract

Mold Decomposed Injection Sculpturing (Mold DIS) is a rapid prototyping technique for producing complex shaped fugitive wax molds. Metallic materials have been used to make parts from these molds. This paper describes the Mold DIS method and an automated mold building machine based on the integration of a CNC sculpture machine and a wax injection device. Material selection, process parameters determination and equipment issues are explained. A 316L stainless steel turbine part with feature sizes ranging from 2 to 50 mm will be shown.