When people think of 3-D modeling, they typically think of things made of plastic. But 3-D modeling, over the past few years, has become a steel industry buzzword. And rightly so. The benefits of additive manufacturing in the foundry industry are hard to overstate. Additive manufacturing provides the ability for creation of complex sand patterns and cores serving the most demanding casting.
3-D modeling describes a three-dimensional rendering of a part from a drawing, either via a computer program or the building of a scale model. Additive manufacturing utilizes the 3-D model for printing layers of sand to build rapid prototyping tools into which we can pour metal, creating the casting.
In the sand casting of steel, patterns create both the shape of the sand mold and the cavities inside the mold where the molten metal flows. Additive manufacturing (AM) simplifies – or even removes – this process. Omaha Steel finds additive manufacturing especially useful for the creation of parts requiring low runs.
The technology provides the potential for manufacturing single or multiple components of any design. Additive manufacturing also allows for parts to serve new and different functions. The additive manufacturing process makes manufacturing patterns for parts with complex internal structures much easier and faster. In some circles, additive manufacturing is synonymous with rapid prototyping.
Omaha Steel can handle your 3-D modeling, and we have many sources for additive manufacturing of printed molds and cores. Our team of expert engineers ensures you get components and parts you need from our additive manufacturing partners. Talk to Omaha Steel today and see what additive manufacturing and 3-D modeling can do for you.
Seeing in person how we implement our processes, and how they contribute to quality castings, can go a long way towards making the right decision. Schedule a tour with Omaha Steel, and we’ll give you an in-depth look at our commitment to quality.
