A Review On Transition In The Manufacturing Of Mechanical Components From Conventional Techniques To Rapid Casting Using Rapid Prototyping

3D printing has made its way from mere prototyping of mechanical components to its manufacturing. Actual working mechanical components are directly printed and are used having no relative difference. As a new manufacturing technology, 3D printing has gradually started attracting interest in both the academic community and the business world. The first machine for 3D printing was created less than 35 years ago, indicating great potential for future development in 3D printing. However, the promising future of this technology also makes an impact on traditional industry unpredictable. Gradual increase in the applications of rapid prototyping has paved its way to many industries and its researchers to fabricate intricate components and replace conventional manufacturing techniques such as casting. Rapid casting is an integration of conventional casting with rapid prototyping/3D printing. In this technique either mouldsor disposable pattern used for forming moulds are created with 3D printing techniques like fused deposition modelling (FDM), Solid ground curing, Ballistic particle manufacturing, Drop-on-drop deposition inkjet printing technology,Selective laser sintering (SLS),Stereo lithography and laminated object manufacturing(LOM). In this paper, the evolution of rapid casting is described and variations in its process parameters are compared to conventional casting. The different types of rapid casting techniques developed along with materials used in it, are studied. Recent advancements in rapid casting along with its scope in the future is described. Various notable mechanical components which have found their way to get Rapid tasted are presented and assertions are made on their technical details. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.