The company’s new software is reducing material consumption by up to 50%
3D Systems has announced an addition to its investment casting portfolio, QuickCast Air. The software tool is already in use by 3D Systems aerospace customers with its 3D Sprint software, reducing material consumption by up to 50% and build times by hours.
QuickCast Air works by allowing customers to design casting patterns with fewer structures within the self-supporting walls. Fewer structures require less resin and produce less ash when burned. It is also easier to drain the resin, as more of it stays within the vat instead of getting lost in the process.
“Our customer-centric approach to innovation fuels this transformation by closely aligning with their unique challenges,” said Patrick Dunne, the vice president of 3D Systems. “As with many of our products, QuickCast Air was born from a specific customer’s application requirements. I’m pleased that we are now able to bring this advanced tool to market thus refining the design and production of investment casting patterns."
This maximisation of material removal results in lower pattern costs, faster build times, cleaner burnout processes and more efficient drainage. This means industries can deliver more intricate, higher quality investment casting patterns using less time and money.
Historically, traditional investment casting with a wax injection tool could take weeks and cost thousands of pounds. In the mid-1990s, 3D Systems began working on QuickCast. “Since 3D Systems introduced QuickCast more than two decades ago, we have continued to evolve this unique tool and the capabilities it provides,” said Dunne. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the adoption of QuickCast Air will continue to unlock design freedom and accelerate production timelines.”
3D Systems will feature QuickCast Air at this year's International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, from 9th to 14th September.
