Columns: Designer's edge

Tooling in metalcasting and CNC machining refers to reusable items that are specific to each job. In investment casting, tooling is considered to be wax-injection dies used to create wax patterns.

3D sand printing produces sand mold components without any pattern or core box equipment. The process essentially makes sand molds without the middleman. 

A common casting structural design question falls along the lines of this: We are aware of safety-critical, long strain life castings in challenging structural applications.

Problem: “As we launch new casting designs, the prototypes do well, either functionally or structurally.