Study of Part Geometric Features and Support Materials in Rapid Freeze Prototyping

Abstract

This paper describes the investigation of part geometric features and support materials in the fabrication of ice parts by Rapid Freeze Prototyping (RFP). The achievable geometric features of the ice part including the smallest thickness of a wall and the smallest diameter of a rod are analyzed and expressed as functions of process parameters including water pressure, nozzle diameter, valve open/close frequency and duty cycle, and x-y table moving speed relative to the nozzle. The validity of the predicted results of geometric features from the analysis is verified using our experimental RFP system. In order to realize fabricating ice parts of any complex 3-D geometry, support materials are also studied. The experimental results showed a eutectic mixture of dextrose and water works well as the support material while a eutectic mixture of salt and water does not work satisfactorily.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Sponsor(s)

National Science Foundation (U.S.)
United States. Department of Education

Keywords and Phrases

Freezing; Prototyping; Rapid

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0007-8506

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2003 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jun 2003

Link to Full Text

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