In the foundry industry, common modeling techniques take CNC wood modeling, foam molding machines, CNC EPS machining centers and tranditional sand casting lines, these methods have different application scope, casting precision, and cost.
CNC Wood Modeling
CNC Wood Modeling utilizes CNC machinery to carve models out of wood or other hard materials, that is suitable for producing high-precision, complex-shaped models, such as automotive parts, furniture, art pieces, etc.
This method is suitable for small batch or single-piece production and easy to modify designs and quickly produce new models. This process requires high initial investment for equipment but the unit cost is lower,
Sand Casting Line
Sand Casting Line is to use sand as the mold material, filling the mold cavity through compression or vibration, this process is widely used in the metal casting industry, particularly for mass-produced iron, steel, aluminum, and other metal castings.
The sand casting line is relatively low precision, low flexibility, as each design change requires a new sand mold.
Foam Molding Machines
Foam Molding Machines shapes foam materials using heating or mechanical means, is suitable for rapid prototyping, display models, or lightweight structural components. The cost of equipment is lower and its material is inexpensive.
This process is easy to quickly create and modify models.
CNC Lost Foam Casting
CNC Lost Foam Casting uses CNC technology to cut foam materials. This process is suitable for fabricating complex-shaped metal castings, such as automotive parts, aerospace components, etc. This method is very high precise,capable of precise replication of complex shapes.
Another the equipment investment of the CNC lost foam casting is high and it is easy to change the design through reprogramming.
CNC Wood Modeling
CNC Wood Modeling and Foam Molding Machine focus more on non-metallic materials for model making, suitable for applications requiring high precision and flexibility.
Conclusion
The choice of technology depends on the specific application requirements, budget, and desired production volume. For applications requiring high precision and complex designs in single or small batch production, CNC wood modeling or lost foam casting might be better choices. For mass production of standardized products, a sand casting line is more economical.
