Dimensional accuracy and surface finish of investment casting parts by indirect additive manufacturing from fused filament fabrication

This article discussed the utilization of open-source 3D printer to manufacture master pattern for investment casting in term of geometry accuracy and surface finish. Two sets of 3DP parts comprising of one set with post-processing and another set without post processing were used to make RTV silicone moulds. The wax patterns produced from RTV silicone moulds are used as patterns for making investment casting in Plaster of Paris mould. The results show that the post processing does not affect or improve the casted part as the final casted parts will undergo post-processing. This indirect approach investment casting using open-source 3D printer can be seen as new cost effective solution for small batch production of part which does not required allowable tolerance below +/- 1.14mm.