Principle of sand 3D printing technology
Sand 3D printing technology is an advanced manufacturing method that builds up sand powder layer by layer and uses specific binders or curing agents to bond the sand powder together to form a sand mold with a complex internal structure. The technology is able to convert 3D digital models into solid sand models, which is particularly suitable for the needs of fast, customized and small batch production5. Here's how sand 3D printing works:
Work flow
Preparation phase: First, a 3D model of the casting needs to be created using computer aided design (CAD) software. Then, the casting process is simulated by process simulation software to optimize the design of sand mold and casting parameters4.
Printing platform preparation: The construction platform of the sand 3D printer is placed inside the printer, usually a closed cavity gantry structure 3.
Sand laying: After the casting sand print head is filled, the print head moves to the top left of the printing platform, maintains a fixed height with the platform, moves from left to right and lays the first layer of casting sand. After the casting sand is laid, the surface is not smooth, so the mechanical arm drives the print head to move from the rightmost end to the left. During this process, the scraper under the printer nozzle will smooth the sand surface.
Binder spray: The resin nozzle sprays the resin at the position where it needs to bond and cure, and the resin reacts with the catalyst in the sand to cure, and the first layer is printed.
Layer stacking: for each layer of printing, the robot arm drives the nozzle to rise one layer and continue to print the next layer until the printing of the entire model3 is completed.
Post-treatment: After printing, the sand mold needs to be dried or cured to make the sand mold strong enough to cope with the subsequent casting process. The sand mold is then removed from the printer for the necessary cleaning and trimming 1.
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