Technical and financial feasibility assessment of producing an impeller sand mould by three-dimensional printing using a Voxeljet VX 1000 machine

Abstract

Impeller castings are some of the most critical components used in engineering applications with complex designs. The high-quality production of their sand mould is essential to ensure optimal casting properties. Three-dimensional printing is an appropriate modern technology that can manufacture such moulds at a shorter production lead time than traditional methods. This paper assesses the technical and economic feasibility of producing the impeller sand mould for casting a mining impeller pump using a Voxeljet VX1000 printer available locally. The methodology includes the use of casting simulation and the application of the financial payback period method. This paper provides a practical case study of the theoretical assessment of rapid sand casting projects. The payback period showed the rapid sand casting process for printing impeller sand mould using the VX1000 printer is feasible for adoption by the local foundry industry as the initial investment is recovered within the 5 years of the projected cash flows.