Investigations for statistically controlled rapid casting solution of low brass alloys using three dimensional printing

The purpose of the present investigations is to study the feasibility of decreasing the shell wall thickness of mould cavity for economical and statistically controlled rapid casting solution of low brass alloy using three dimension printing technology. Starting from the identification of component/benchmark, technological prototypes were produced at different shell wall thickness of mould cavity. Measurements on a coordinate measuring machine helped in calculating the dimensional tolerances of the castings produced. Some important mechanical properties were also compared to verify the suitability of the castings. The study suggested that for the shell thickness, having value less than the recommended one is more suitable from dimensional accuracy and economic point of view. The result indicates that for the selected component/benchmark, at best set shell wall thickness (2 mm) of mould cavity, hardness of the casting improves from recommended 12 mm. Also production cost and production time has been reduced by 40.05% and 32.84% respectively in comparison to 12 mm recommended shell thickness. Further, strong possibilities are observed for the process under statistical control for 2 mm shell thickness the in case of low brass alloy castings.