OPL Casting Molds: The "Lost Salt" Method
Grid Logic has developed a multi-material process that enables the fabrication of monolithic or multi-component casting molds using an open-air heat treatment followed by an aqueous rinse. Using OPL technology, a casting mold powder and a water-soluble powder are printed in a build cartridge with a non-reactive supporting powder. The build cartridge is then heated in open-air to set the mold material. After washing the mold with water to remove the water-soluble powder, the mold is dried and prepared for casting.
Multi-material OPL Print
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Support Powder: Zircon
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Mold Powder: Zircon-based
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Investment Powder: NaCl
Mold Set/Clear
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Open-air Heat Treatment
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Aqueous Rinse
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Open-air Dry
Part
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Conventional casting in monolithic OPL printed mold