Capability study of the Fcubic direct shell process for casting micro-components

J-F. Charmeux (a), R. Minev (a), S. Dimov (a), E. Minev (a), S. Su (a), U. Harrysson (b)

a Manufacturing Engineering Center, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK
b Fcubic, Kallarlyckevagen 6, 42935 Kullavik, Sweden

Abstract

The paper investigates the capability of a new technology, ‘Fcubic’, for a faster and less expensive production of investment casting shells directly from CAD data for the manufacture of micro-components. The technology utilises high resolution 3D printing heads for building shells using zirconia ceramics.

The capabilities of the ‘Fcubic’ process are compared to those of classical two-stage lost wax processes to produce metal micro-components. The tests are carried out on a machine incorporating units for centrifugal and pressure/vacuum casting specially developed to facilitate the replication of components with small features. In particular, this comparative study involved the manufacture of test parts in aluminium/zinc alloys and stainless steel with micro-features in the range of 250 to 700 μm and aspect ratios up to 2.4. The dimensional accuracy and the surface quality of the produced parts were measured. In addition, the production cost of the two different manufacturing routes was assessed to determine the economic viability of the ‘Fcubic’ direct shell technology for casting components incorporating micro-features.