Additive Manufacturing is revolutionizing how low-volume, high-tech metal parts are being produced. The investment casting industry has a long history of producing these low-volume, high-tech parts, including ramping up to higher volumes as well.

This presentation highlights several benefits that will make AM metals a primary tool in the Investment Foundry toolbox:

1. Quick initial parts to customer. These parts may not help in understanding the casting and treeing issues we face, but can give the customer a quick, hands-on sample of what will be cast. Given the material characteristics of AM processes, these parts can even be tested for mechanical properties since they meet or exceed investment cast parts.

2. Quick turnaround tooling. Mold cavities can be produced with minimal material, carbon footprint, time and machining. Finish machining and/or polishing will need to be done on these tools, but a large portion of CNC time will no longer be necessary.

3. More efficient tooling. This equals faster cycle times on wax injection machines.

4. Sustainability of outdated parts that have worn-out dies and sporadic demand.

In summary, these metal additive manufacturing (3D printing) machines provide the opportunity to enhance customer relations with expedited initial (or outdated) product, lower volume capabilities and enhanced process capability with expedient production of efficient tooling. In the end, AM in metals can enhance existing processes, help in the reduction of carbon footprint and place parts in the customer’s hands faster than ever before.