Main Stream
Negating the complete history of metalcasting dating from Mesopotamia, credited with being the origin of liquid metal, until very recently, there is a revolution underway in metalcasting that is simply put “going to transform the way liquid metal is crated into castings”. 3D printing of castings is no longer hypothetical nor is it confined to university and R&D laboratories or hobbyist’s garages. 3D printing is here and it is going to melt the metalcasting industry; in essence, it has become main stream.
Leading edge metalcasters are already exploring the bounds of 3D printing on a production scale and they are making it work all day every day and most of all, improving the P&L. These are actually castings that are 3D printed and are shipped to their customers. No longer is 3D printing a “nicety” or a “theory”. Metalcasters are increasing their profits by offering 3D printing services. If you have been to any of the recent exhibitions such as the Investment Casting Institute, ICI, or American Foundry Society, AFS, you should have come away with the strong impression that 3D printing of castings is what it is all about.
There are multiple simultaneous aspects of 3D printing in the metalcasting sector. Among these aspects are rapid prototyping, rapid tooling/pattern creation, creating one off castings, lost wax printing and casting, printing sand molds, printing cores, and the list goes on and on. The benefits of 3D printing are rapid turnaround, lower costs, and absolute quality. The major issues that will without a solitary doubt be solved over time are the ability to increase throughput as well as the size of 3D printers.
At SYNCHRO ERP, we are ahead of the curve, and a task force is busy examining our software and working to develop the necessary tools to support the 3D printing process through enhanced software modules and options. One of our esteemed customers, we are quite proud to say, is leading the charge into 3D printing and we are pleased to be a part of their long-term strategy.
Until next time, see you on down the road and above all, be safe.
Shane Allen
Head of SYNCHRO ERP North American Operations
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