Implementation of additive manufacturing in sand casting process.

Metals remain to be one of the crucial structural materials for various engineering applications due to its good performance at elevated temperatures. Sand casting process is most preferable and extensively used casting process for metal fabrication. The adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) technology in process of sand casting can result in improvement of the overall process. 3D printing of sand molds is a process by which sand molds, used for metal casting, are prepared with binder jetting technology. 3D printing of sand mold would eliminate tools like patterns, core, core boxes and flasks. Also, the ability to manufacture intricate shaped cores and molds via 3D sand printing provides exceptional design freedom. 3D printing sand molds is transforming traditional sand casting process by reducing the consumption of metals and chemicals, resulting in positive impact on the environment. This paper explains how the implementation of 3D sand printing technology has benefited to a standard sand casting process. Comparison study has been done between conventional sand-casting process and process involving rapid prototyping regarding time, cost investment, dimensional accuracy, surface quality, mechanical properties, and environmental impact. The outcomes from this research would help foundries to reconsider their process from old standard methods to new and revolutionary method involving Additive manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]