Another Prototype Option

An existing customer needed to make a limited number of stator parts with internal fins.   These are notoriously difficult parts to cast, especially to make wax injection tooling.    Often some form of printed patterns is a good option as this eliminates the expensive tooling and offers options for easy design change.

TPM has been working with a partner supplier on printed metal as an option for rapid prototyping.   The key for us was the powders used to create the alloys that are printed.   By controlling the powders and developing patented powder process our partner supplier is able to print alloys that will pass the same strength tests as a standard investment casting.

This part was a great opportunity to use the printed metal technology.   Parts were printed in 17-4 alloy, solution annealed and aged to H1025 per customer requirements.   We printed/processed test bars and Charpy impact bars at the same time.   While the parts were final machined the test bars were pulled and Charpy’s were tested.   In each case we surpassed the standard ASTM requirements and our customers specifications.

While printed metal might not always be the best option, it is another option that TPM can offer customers.   As always it is best to discuss all options and weigh the pros/cons of each to make sure the right process for the best value is being used.  The photos show the as printed part and the final machined part.