Metal prototype parts for nearly any application

When you need of metal prototype parts, you have options that may change from project to project. Often the same project can be completed using three different techniques depending on your cost, lead-time and quality requirements. Here are the three main applications you can choose from for metal prototype parts. Each application has pros and cons depending on material, tolerance, cost and lead-time. Use our comparison chart for a quick reference tool in deciding which application suits your needs best.

Investment Casting
Investment casting applications can begin with an SLA QuickCast® or a wax pattern. The pattern is dipped it in a ceramic slurry. The slurry dipping process is repeated until a strong shell coating surrounds the pattern for support. Once this process is completed, the shell with the pattern still intact is heated in a furnace. At the proper temperature, the QuickCast pattern is flashed out or the wax pattern is melted out to leave a cavity in a ceramic mold. The mold is then ready to be used for casting metal.

Sand Casting
Using a pattern, a machined Ren board or an SLA pattern, a sand core and cavity are made. The sand is packed tightly with a binder to create a sand mold. After the pattern is removed, metal is then cast in the sand mold. Green sand provides a coarse finish, while air-set sand casting will provides a smooth finish.

Rubber Plaster Molding (RPM)
Rubber plaster molding involves making a series of silicone rubber molds from a pattern (usually an SLA model). From the rubber mold, a plaster mold is created. Using the plaster mold, non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and zinc can be cast to create prototypes.