A Feature-Based Approach to Automated Design of Multi-Piece Sacrificial Molds

Abstract

This paper describes a feature-based algorithm for automated design of multi-piece sacrificial molds. Our mold design algorithm consists of the following three steps. First, the desired gross mold shape is created based on the feature-based description of the part geometry. Second, if the desired gross mold shape is not machinable as a single component, then the gross mold shape is decomposed into simpler geometric components to make sure that each component is machinable using 3-axis CNC machining. The decomposition is performed to ensure that each component is accessible to end-milling tools, and decomposed components can be assembled together to form the gross mold shape. Finally, assembly features are added to mold components to eliminate unnecessary degrees of freedom from the final mold assembly to facilitate molding.