Permanent Rapid Prototyped Molds for Thin Wall Magnesium Casting

Abstract

Rapid tooling processes are now well known and largely implemented in the plastic injection industries. Harsh conditions related to metal casting or injection do not allow such rapid tooling processes to be directly applicable. This paper focuses on magnesium alloy casting in rapid prototyped mold with thin walls created by Direct Metal Laser Sintering. Such molds are anisotropic, due to special laser exposure between their skin and core. Hence, experimental results from casting are described and analyzed. The results can help companies improve their rapid prototyping means in the field of magnesium casting of precise parts in permanent molds.