The Advantages of Rapid Prototype Castings

Bringing a new part or product idea off the drawing board and into production demands a meticulously run testing process. Foundries that offer rapid prototype castings can help get the job done right for less at a much lower investment point. Thanks to advanced technology, 3D printing sand casting enables prototype creation and testing in a fraction of the time it might otherwise take. This distinct process can also be used for reverse engineering to enable the precise replication of worn metal parts that are no longer in production.

Rapid prototype castings are created using a laser scanning, modeling and simulation process that results in a 3D model of the desired design. This solid model can then be added to gating systems to run simulations of filling and solidification. The model can also be used to produce a 3D printed sand molds or cores. The advantages of using this process over traditional aluminum sand casting or other metal production processes to create a single prototype include:

• Cost savings – Whether the ultimate design will involve a brass casting service, bronze sand casting or another alloy entirely, prototype casting saves money. This process is much more cost effective because it doesn’t necessarily require the creation of expensive patterns.

• Time savings – The turnaround time for a finished prototype can be significantly less. In many cases, 3d printing sand casting will involve a turnaround time of about two weeks.

• Easier modifications – If a prototype requires modifications after testing, as is often the case, it is much easier and more affordable to change the design for retesting. Alterations in 3D modeling can be made quickly without the need for expensive pattern modifications.

Producing an alloy prototype for testing doesn’t have to be a timely and costly process. Thanks to 3D printing sand casting, companies can fast-track their development and testing stages with the help of foundries that offer these services. The same basic technology and processes are also highly useful for enabling adequately equipped foundries to reverse engineer parts that might otherwise be irreplaceable.

About the Company

Gamma Foundries proudly provides its clients with access to 3D printing sand casting services. The company is one of Canada’s largest sand casting foundries, serving clients across the country and globe with design, development and production services. From single prototypes and one-offs to orders in the thousands, the company is equipped to deliver.

Get in touch with Gamma Foundries, for all your sand casting service needs! It is one of Canada’s largest non-ferrous foundries, who have a multiple alloy facility capable of casting stainless steel, aluminum, brass, bronze, nickel and other alloys.