Dear rp-ml:
Just read a very interesting article on the freeze casting process (FCP) in
the "Advanced Materials & Processes" April 1999 Vol. 155, No. 4 issue, pp.
35-36. Using an RP fabricated pattern, a rubber mold is made. Then water
(with "special" additives to minimize air bubbles) is poured into the rubber
mold and frozen. The resulting ice pattern is then repeatedly dipped into a
refrigerated ethyl alcohol silicate slurry to create an investment casting
pattern and this pattern is then allowed to dry in a chilled chamber
maintained at 32 degrees F minimum. No melting out of the wax pattern or RP
pattern here, just let it melt out at ambient temperature after the mold is
dry! Sounds like a real quick way to get a casting. The article's author
claims a prototype run, starting with a drawing, can be made in 48 - 56
hours. For more information on the freeze casting process, contact the
article's author:
Arnie Yodice, President
Duramax Co.
240 Barber Ave.
Worcester, MA 01606
Tel: (508) 854-0600
Fax: (508) 854-0369
For those of you interested in obtaining a copy of the article, contact ASM
at the following website:
http://www.asm-intl.org/www-asm/magazine/am&p.htm
Regards,
Glenn Whiteside
For more information about the rp-ml, see http://ltk.hut.fi/rp-ml/
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