A note on rapid manufacturing process of metallic parts based on SLS plastic prototype

The polystyrene prototypes were produced by selective laser sintering (SLS) rapid prototyping process. According to properties of thermal depolymerisation of prototype material, the rapid manufacturing process for metallic parts was worked out through the combination of rapid prototypes and precise casting technology. After prototypes burned out in precision shell moulds, a series of complicate thin walled Al-alloy parts have been successfully made by vacuum differential pressure casting (VDPC) process. Accuracy of parts and influencing factors were investigated and discussed. The process combines the advantages of producing high-qualified metallic parts with shortening the period of production cycle.