3D Printers
We are entering a new phase in foundry mold and core production. Soon 3D printers will be commonplace, phasing out traditional core making. 3D printing needs no pattern to produce dimensionally accurate cores and molds quickly. They can be made from various media and binders. The binder percentage can fluctuate depending on the parts needed physical properties.
3D printed parts are available direct from Voxeljet in Canton, MI. Present your Carpenter Brothers, Inc. salesman with an STP file of the core or mold you need to be produced. They can quickly get you a quote and lead time. Usually, the lead time is less than a week from receiving the file. Voxeljet will then produce the part and ship it to your location. Sand parts can be printed in furan or phenolic binder systems. An inorganic binder system is in development.
PMMA parts are for investment foundry applications. It replaces the wax pattern used by investment casters. Once the part is printed from the customer’s file, it can be cleaned and waxed and then shipped to the foundry for coating. The foundry applies the refractory coating in layers building a shell. Once the required shell thickness is achieved, the foundry can flash out the PMMA pattern. This is done quickly with a touch-like flame. No autoclave is necessary. The pattern will completely vaporize leaving little to no ash residue.
Printing Machines come in assorted sizes depending on production needs.
The printing process involves a thin layer of sand being laid down on the workbox bed. The print head then dispenses the binder exactly where the program dictates. The workbox bed is then lowered, another layer of sand is laid down, and the process repeats until completion. The 3D printed mold or cores can be removed from the workbox almost immediately. Further processing (placing the parts into a low-temperature oven for final cure) may be needed should higher tensile be required.
Voxeljet USA manufactures 3D printers in Canton, MI USA. They specialize in Phenolic Binder Printers. These printers utilize a 1-part printing binder. High tensile and part integrity is achieved using these printers.
Foundry Equipment
Carpenter Brothers Inc. partners with leading equipment manufacturers in the industry to provide you with the resources needed to make quality castings. From temperature measurement equipment to sand mixers and reclamation Carpenter Brothers has what you need.
About Us
Carpenter Brothers, Inc. is the leading supplier of equipment, consumables, and technical expertise for the metal casting industry. Founded in 1917, by Everett and Milton Carpenter, the brothers were able to use their unique foundry experiences to solve the problem of the day: a reliable sand source. They got their foot in the door by selling natural bonded molding sand, which was mined by hand, loaded into horse-drawn carts, and then delivered to customers. Not only did they sell the sand, but their technical expertise was readily available for all customers, big or small, to help manufacture the best castings. After surviving The Great Depression, Carpenter Brothers, Inc. slowly increased the number of products it distributed and expanded its sales territory into what it is today.
Carpenter Brothers, Inc. has committed itself to its customer's success by providing exceptional service to go along with the superior products and equipment they supply. With multiple warehouses around the United States we can get you the products you need when you need them. Our logistics team can handle getting your order to you by truck, plane, or train. Our technical sales and engineering staff all have experience in the industry, so when you buy from Carpenter Brothers you gain access to all of our knowledge.
