• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.16 no.11
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• pp.74-80
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• 1999

In this study, a stereolithography apparatus (SLA) prototype is used as a master model to be transformed into the silicone pattern by vacuum tool forming. The tool for the first prototype is fabricated by using this silicone pattern. Following this procedure, a temporary tool with metal powder and epoxy for wax injection is prepared for the die set of quick change type which consists of upper and lower base die나 and an insert die. The die set of quick change type appears to be very effective in casting operation by changing tools rapidly. The original wax pattern is formed through the die set, and is made of lost-was. Finally the lost-wax pattern is applied to investment casting. The final casting product is checked regarding its dimensional accuracy.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.165-173
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• 2003

As the cycling time of new products have become more and more short in recent years, the demand for lowering the cost and reducing the production time becomes stronger. In order for the demand, the rapid prototyping and rapid tooling technology have been used. It has been widely known that RP technology has advantages with fabricating 3-D object having a complicated geometric shape. RP products, however, have a limitation with applying to the real die and mold because soft materials such as resin, paper and wax has been mostly used in RP technology. So in this paper, the RP products have been copied to semi-metallic soft tools using the mixture of metal fillers and epoxy resin. In order to evaluate the effect of the fillers on the characteristics of semi-metallic soft tools, three fillers are used including commercial aluminum powder, cast iron powder recycled by machining chips, and aluminum short fiber made by self-excited vibration technique. Besides, in the case of aluminum powder, the change of characteristics of semi-metallic soft tools is also tested according to the volume fraction of the powder.