Use of Helical Sprues in 3D Printed Sand Moulds

A review of binder jet technology used to create helical sprue designs to reduce flow defects and improve quality in aluminum bronze castings  

Nattinee Valun-araya, Ongkarn Chantarasukkasem, and John Pearce of Speed 3D Mold investigate sand binder jet 3D printing on the ExOne S-Max® for incorporating unique, organic sprue designs into metalcasting moulds. 

In this white paper, you'll review:

• Initial experiences in the development of helical sprue use for the commercial production of Al alloy and Bronze propeller and impeller castings
• Production trials on castings prone to surface defects when poured using conventional sprues
• Examples of conical helical sprues and a single turn helix with a spherical feeder