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Rapid casting is an integration of investment casting with rapid prototyping/3D printing. In this technique disposable patterns that are used for forming molds are created by any 3D printing technique, including fused deposition modeling and stereolithography.

• Cheap for batch production
• Reduced turnaround time
• Representative prototypes
• Easier to make patterns
• Possibility to make the part lighter by removing unwanted material and stiffer by adding rib features.

• Cheap at scale
• Large parts
• Good surface finish
• High dimensional accuracy
• High tensile strength

• A disposable pattern is 3D printed (can be of wax or any plastic used in 3D printing PLA, PETG, Etc.).
• The pattern, if made of wax, undergoes wax infiltration and other procedures to increase its strength and dewaxing properties.
• A mold is made by coating the printed pattern using a ceramic slurry.
• The pattern is melted out of the ceramic mold.
• Molten metal is poured into mold.