Abstract:

Casting and molding techniques are included within the manufacturing processes by material conservation, specifically within the scope of consolidation processes. These processes are based on the fusion of metallic material in order that it takes on a definitive shape defined by a mold. This can be used to obtain parts with complex geometries for all kinds of applications. Today, casting forming processes are widely used in the development of components such as engine blocks, valves and pipes, crankshafts and bearings, and machine frames, among others. These parts are used in a wide range of sectors such as automotive, aerospace, railways, construction, agriculture, mining, machinery, defense, industrial plants, etc. For this reason, knowledge of this type of process is essential for students of industrial degrees.

Among the consolidation techniques, one of the most widely used processes is the sand-casting process. In sand casting, a compacted sand mold is constructed to form metal alloy parts. The starting point is a model of the part to be reproduced, which must be built with dimensions and characteristics considering the shrinkage effects of the metal to be used for the final parts. The models are usually reusable, and are made of plastic, wood or metal.

Considering the industrial importance of this process, and the need to train future graduates, the teaching in this manufacturing process is included in the descriptors of many Engineering Degrees. However, the high cost of commercial equipment for the practical teaching of sand casting, greatly restricts the optimal number of equipment, which should be approximately one per student.

This article focuses on the design and development of casting mold boxes and specific models manufactured using additive manufacturing technologies. In this way, it is proposed to customize the equipment for each student and the possibility of lowering the manufacturing costs of the equipment, facilitating the access of students to experimental teaching resources. In this way, it is proposed to customize the equipment for each student and the possibility of lowering the manufacturing costs of the equipment, facilitating the access of students to experimental teaching resources. It is also proposed the validation of the developed equipment in terms of functional performance, analyzing the correct operation of these equipment.

Keywords:

Sand Casting, Additive Manufacturing, Customized experimental resources, 3D printed models.