Potential and Challenges of Fused Granular Fabrication in Patternmaking

Abstract Efficient manufacturing of tooling and patterns is an essential part a good foundry process. Traditional patternmaking methods have been honed to almost perfection during the years. Additive has growing as industry presents many new possibilities for industry. However, additive technologies do not currently provide usable sizes scales foundries properly use. Fused granular fabrication (FGF) in conjunction with finish machining might answer this issue, printing volumes speeds times those compared filament-based fused deposition modeling printing. In work, some traditional materials are FGF manufactured one based on polylactic acid cellulose blend, their characteristics discussed. 3D scanning as-printed geometry shows variations inherent material extrusion methods, while final machined state comparable results polyurethane model material. The combination high-volume dimensions allow more utilization patternmaking, especially when combined high-performance polymer materials.