Windform PS, a new Polystyrene-based material, optimized for the selective Laser Sintered disposable patterns for Rapid Casting Technology, has been launched by CRP. Windform PS has a low ash content suitable for highly reactive alloys, such as titanium, aluminium, magnesium, steel and nickel-based alloys. Windform PS patterns can undergo the typical rapid casting procedure, including autoclaves and flash firing steps, low-temperature furnaces and vacuum plaster casting methods. Rapid Casting with laser-sintered patterns also allows complete shape conception freedom, needing no even supports and reducing undercut and tool path problems during CNC machining. It also allows for optimization of the project to the working conditions, making it possible to create a product along its mechanical stress axes, and to obtain a reproduction of all details of the RP pattern, with tolerances and surface finishing of fully machined parts. The recommended wax is a standard 100% paraffin wax (with melting point of about 54C) and infiltration is for about 10in at 70C. It is particularly suited for the foundry and RP market since the main applications are complex investment casting patterns and casting with highly reactive alloys, in addition to typical cast alloys.
