Skip to main content
Presentation
Additive/Subtractive Rapid Pattern Manufacturing for Casting Patterns and Injection Mold Tooling
Proceedings of the Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium
  • Matthew C. Frank, Iowa State University
  • Frank Peters, Iowa State University
  • Rajesh Kumar Karthikeyan, Iowa State University
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
8-1-2010
Conference Title
2010 Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium
Conference Date
August 9-11, 2010
Geolocation
(30.267153, -97.74306079999997)
Abstract

This paper presents a Rapid Pattern Manufacturing system that involves both additive and subtractive techniques whereby slabs are sequentially bonded and milled using layered toolpaths. Patterns are grown in a bottom-up fashion, both eliminating the need for multi-axis operations and allowing small features in deep cavities. Similar approaches exist in the literature; however, this system is able to provide a larger range of both materials and sizes, from smaller conventional injection mold tooling to very large wood or urethane sand casting patterns. This method introduces a novel sacrificial support structure approach by integrating a flask into the pattern build process. The system has been implemented in an automated machine capable of producing patterns in excess of several thousand pounds in a build envelope over 1m3 . In this current research, a new layer bonding method using friction stir welding of aluminum plates is presented. In this manner, one can create seam-free laminated aluminum injection mold tooling using a unique combination of industrial adhesives and friction stir spot welding to secure the slab initially, then continuous friction stir welding of layer perimeters that are subsequently machined in a layer-wise process.

Comments

This is a proceeding from Solid Freeform Fabrication Proceedings (2010): 242. Posted with permission.

Copyright Owner
Laboratory for Freeform Fabrication
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Matthew C. Frank, Frank Peters and Rajesh Kumar Karthikeyan. "Additive/Subtractive Rapid Pattern Manufacturing for Casting Patterns and Injection Mold Tooling" Austin, TXProceedings of the Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (2010) p. 242 - 255
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/matthew_frank/16/