A comparative study of fabrication of sand casting mold using additive manufacturing and conventional process

In this study, two processes to fabricate casting mold, conventional sand casting process and additive manufacturing or 3D printing process, are comparatively investigated. The two processes were compared in terms of their weight saving, surface finish, design allowance, and fettling work. The results show that there are significant advantages in using additive manufacturing in the production of mold. The 3D printed molds provide substantial saving of sand used, design allowances, and fettling work. The mechanical properties of 3D printed molds are also higher than the conventional ones due to good bonding strength during 3D printing.