Research on time estimation method of rapid-precision casting based on SLA

Studying on the technics flow of manufacturing product process in detail, a calculating method is presented in this paper for estimating the build-time of rapid-precision casting. Firstly, the build-time is composed of two main timeslices, such as facture time of rapid prototyping and rapid mould. Secondly, the facture time of rapid prototyping and rapid mould is calculated with facture time of rapid prototyping and facture time of silicone rubber mould, which includes time of prototyping surface process, installing time and backout time of prototyping, and so on. Lastly, the calculation formula of build-time is derived by considering all above timeslices. A practical application example is presented in this paper. The calculation results show that the build-time estimation method is practicable, effective and quite accurate. So it is helpful for foundry enterprise to check cost and quote.