PMMA 3D Printing for Investment Casting

What is PMMA 3D Printing applied to investment casting?

Lost-wax casting has evolved. With PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) 3D printing, traditional molds are eliminated, reducing lead times and optimizing costs. PMMA enables patterns that burn out without residue, which enhances the quality of the cast metal parts. At EIPC, in collaboration with VoxelJet, we leverage this technology to offer industrial solutions for high-precision prototyping and pre-production.

Advantages of PMMA 3D printing for investment casting

• Cost Reduction: Eliminating molds and tooling dramatically lowers costs, making it ideal for small series or complex geometries.
• Design Flexibility: Parts impossible to manufacture traditionally (internal channels, intricate structures, fine details) are now achievable through layer-by-layer fabrication.
• Reduced Lead Time: Directly printing the pattern accelerates the transition from design to the final product.
• Sustainability: Fewer waste materials, reduced material consumption, and the clean burnout of PMMA make the process more environmentally friendly.

VoxelJet Technology

VoxelJet offers printers like the VX1000, capable of creating PMMA patterns with exceptional precision and finish. Their PolyPor C² process enables higher resolution and surface quality, ideal for high-value-added parts.

Applications of PMMA 3D Printing for investment casting in various industries

Aerospace

The aerospace industry demands lightweight and robust components. PMMA printing allows for the creation of complex geometries such as turbine blades or structural supports with internal lattice structures, reducing weight without compromising integrity.

Automotive

For functional prototypes and high-performance components, such as exhaust manifolds or impellers, PMMA 3D printing offers speed and accuracy. It enables faster iteration in the development of racing vehicles or automotive prototypes.

Art and Architecture

The design freedom offered by PMMA printing is ideal for intricate sculptures or detailed architectural elements. A notable example is “The Embrace,” a public monument in Boston cast from 3D-printed PMMA patterns.

Industrial valves and impellers

The casting of components like impellers or pump housings benefits from flow-optimized internal geometries, achievable only with 3D printing. This improves the performance and efficiency of pumping systems.

EIPC and VoxelJet: Transforming precision casting

At EIPC, we are committed to innovation. Our alliance with VoxelJet allows us to offer:

• Rapid High-Quality Prototyping
• Tool-less Production
• More complex designs
• Reduced turnaround times
• Lower environmental footprint

PMMA 3D printing is no longer a technology of the future: PMMA binder jetting has gained traction in its application to precision casting due to the speed at which it allows products to reach the market. In many cases, it surpasses the limitations of other 3D printing techniques such as stereolithography or wax printers in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

At EIPC Group, we are committed to the quality and maximum reliability of our products, and we focus on technological innovation, the continuous training of our team, and the optimization of organizational processes as drivers for growth and continuous improvement.