Rapid Prototyping Technology Using for Casting Process of Mini Turbine Runner

The previous mini-hydrogenator rotors’ prototypes were made of ABS thermoplastic material with use of fused deposition modelling (FDM). However, there is a need for such rotors made of metallic materials with higher strength. In paper three dimensional printing (3DP) as rapid prototyping technology, was presented, to execute a shell mould of rotor prototype. In initial phase, the moulds were prepared which allow to cast a simple geometric solid with different alloys, for comparative reasons. The form of rotor and testing cast moulds were designed using universal CAD environment and printed composite using material zp151 (Calcium sulfate hemihydrate) with a binder zb63 (2- pyrrolidone) for preparation of colourful presentation models or casting models. The suitability of technology usage with alloys of copper , aluminium and zinc, was analyzed. The strength of the mould during casting, a material resistant to high temperature, the quality of received casting and its surface roughness were assumed as the comparative parameters which characterized method.