Simulation and Optimization for Investment Casting of Impeller Based on 3D Printing

Abstract

Impeller is characterized by complex curved face and extended application environment which cause traditional manufacture methods are unable to satisfy the high requirements for it. Thus investment casting is widely used for manufacturing the impeller on account of the high-accuracy of surface and dimension. Meanwhile, application of 3D printing in casting has been proved for promoting the efficiency. In this paper, the gating system for casting is numerical simulated by software Any Casting. As the result, side injection system is selected for its smooth filling of the casting cavity and less shrinkage porosity. In the process of manufacture, 3D printing of PLA impeller role is utilized as the rapid tooling(RT) to make excellent castings proceed from effective and economical consideration.