Development of a High Temperature Resistance SLS Sand Mold Process by Inorganic Infiltration for Titanium Alloy Casting
摘要
3D printing sand mold has been widely utilized in casting production. However, there are certain challenges that hinder its application for titanium alloy casting, such as the potential for large amount of gas evolution of some binders used in 3D printing, the printed sand molds cannot withstand the impact of high temperature, adverse reactions with molten titanium alloy, and others. This study aims to develop a high temperature resistance selective laser sintering (SLS) sand mold or core that can be used for titanium alloy casting. Various inorganic binders were introduced into the SLS sand mold separately by vacuum infiltration. High temperature sintering at 1050 °C was conducted to strengthen the SLS sand mold and burn off the organic materials. Results showed that the SLS sand mold exhibits appropriate tensile strength (1.45 MPa) after infiltrated with the aluminum dihydrogen phosphate solution. The strengthening mechanism of sand mold after high temperature sintering can be attributed to the formation of aluminum phosphate sintering neck. Furthermore, with yttria coating brushed on the cavity surfaces to alleviate the reaction of titanium melt and mold materials, sound titanium alloy castings with controllable alpha case were successfully produced using the infiltrated SLS sand molds.