ALUMINUM CASTING LAB

As a part of my Manufacturing class, small groups selected a part to cast out of aluminum. My group chose a scaled down model of the Formula SAE car. We 3D printed the design and followed the appropriate steps to create a mold before pouring and heat treating the resulting cast part.

Aluminum Casting Lab: About

Casting Mold

We utilized a special sand to create the mold, compacting it down tightly so all of the detail of our part would be visible. Then, we dusted our 3D printed part with baby powder so it wouldn't stick to the sand, and made the central impression. Finally, holes were cut for the sprue and riser.

Casting Comparison

The aluminum cast part is compared to the original 3D printed part.

The Final Cast Part

After a bit of polishing, heat treatment, and a well lit photo, this is the final result!

Aluminum Casting Lab: Work