Rapid prototyping of casting cores

Mogućnosti brze izrade prototipova su brojne, no svaka od tehnika ima svoje specifičnosti i ograničenja. U radu je dan pregled i kratka analiza različitih metoda brze izrade prototipova, s ciljem ocjene primjenjivosti pojedinih postupaka u ljevačkoj industriji, odnosno proizvodnji trajnih ljevačkih modela. Postupak trodimenzijskog (3D) tiskanja zbog svoje fleksibilnosti, brzine i prihvatljive cijene, pokazuje najveći potencijal u ovom smislu. Na konkretnom primjeru prikazan je tok proizvodnje ljevačkog modela postupkom 3D tiskanja, te provedena usporedba s konvencionalnim postupkom proizvodnje ljevačkog modela. U radu su opisani različiti pristupi izradi ljevačkog modela: neposredni, posredni, izravna proizvodnja kalupa, te glavni činitelji pri odlučivanju o primjeni ove tehnologije.There are many possibilities of rapid prototyping; however each technique has its own specificities and limitations. This paper presents an overview and brief analysis of different methods for rapid prototyping, with the aim to evaluate practical application of certain procedures in the casting industry and in the production of permanent casting cores. With regard to this, the three-dimensional printing (3D printing) exhibits the greatest potential because of its flexibility, speed and reasonable costs. The procedure of casting core production by 3D printing is presented on an example, and compared to conventional production process of casting core molding. The paper describes different approaches to the development of casting cores: direct, indirect, direct production of molds, and the main factors in deciding on the application of this technology