Vacuum casting as a rapid manufacturing and prototyping option

Abstract

This article looks at the role that vacuum casting plays in the rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing process. The accuracy to which components can be reproduced, by looking at the controllable factors in the casting process and the different types of materials that are available, were investigated and the process was also compared to other rapid prototyping and manufacturing processes in terms of cost effectiveness. Castings were made from a typical component under different operating conditions and the characteristics of the cast component, dimensions strength and surface hardness, were measured and plotted to determine the characteristics and accuracy of the process.