3D Systems ProJet MJP 2500 IC Intended for Investment Casting Wax Patterns

Designed for investment casting, 3D Systems’ ProJet MJP 2500 IC 3D printer produces RealWax patterns faster and at lower cost than traditional pattern production, while also enabling the creation of designs not possible through traditional wax injection molding. The 3D printer is said to provide accurate prints with smooth surface finishes, sharp edges and fine details with high fidelity and repeatability.

The digital foundry solution is suitable for production needs ranging from iterative, initial design to bridge manufacturing and low-volume production. A digital workflow supports greater design freedom, enabling apply topology optimization, lightweighting and part consolidation, the company says.

Design files are prepared for 3D printing and managed with 3D Sprint software. Patterns are produced in VisiJet M2 ICast, a 100 percent qax material said to deliver the same melt and burn-out characteristics of standard casting waxes.

"In keeping with 3D Systems' strategy of transforming manufacturing with optimized additive manufacturing solutions, we developed the ProJet MJP 2500 IC to improve both the economics and functionality of investment casting patterns and the resulting parts,” says Mike Stanicek, vice president, product management, plastics, 3D Systems. “According to Mueller Additive Manufacturing Solutions, the global investment casting market is valued at nearly $14 billion which includes parts for the aircraft and automotive industries. The ProJet MJP 2500 IC not only eliminates the need for injection-molded tools, it could potentially increase the casted part functionality while reducing part weight, both critical factors for improving part efficiency. This also means that service foundries can now charge a premium for parts produced in days instead of weeks. The ProJet MJP 2500 IC is a genuine game-changer for all industries that use investment casting."