Pattern of a metal elbow printed with stereolithography (SLA) technology and mounted on a wooden plate for sand molding

Accelerate Casting Production with Reusable 3D Printed Patterns

Reduce production time for casting patterns from months to weeks by leveraging additive manufacturing solutions to develop and optimize reusable patterns for the conventional sand-casting process.

SLA printed copes and drags can be directly used in the conventional sand casting production process for metal parts. With our portfolio of large-format SLA 3D printers and advanced materials, like Accura HPC and Accura PEAK, modelers and designers can create accurate and durable patterns with outstanding surface finish and minimal post-processing.

Solve Your Mold and Pattern Challenges for Sand Casting Metal Parts

  • Optimize Metal Parts for Casting

    Accurately optimize structural parts with 3D printed plastic patterns compatible  with conventional sand-casting methods and quickly create fully functional engineering samples and production parts.

    Use the Generative Design tool in 3DXpert to accelerate part optimization for the manufacturing process you need while saving material and costs.

  • Cope and drag produced with stereolithography (SLA) being prepared for the sand casting process

  • Fast Iteration Towards Flask Validation

    Use 3D printed patterns to execute rapid casting changes and incorporate product design updates into the flask to ensure accurate and quality castings without defects or material voids.

    Our application experts help foundries select the right additive manufacturing tools and technologies to accelerate their casting production needs.

  • Wood vs additive plastics chart

  • The Right Polymer for Your Pattern

    Sand casting patterns need to meet their expected service life, which means the right material choice and cost point is critical as well as compatibility with a wide range of sand types. 

    Our broad portfolio of composite, rigid, and tough materials offer the right strength, abrasion resistance, and dimensional stability to replace your wood patterns.

  • Investment Casting Patterns

  • The Foundry Goes Digital

    Achieving high complexity cast metal parts at significantly lower costs and lead times is possible through 3D printing high quality wax and resin casting patterns. Eliminate tooling storage,  improve customer response times, and achieve patterns with true-to-CAD accuracy and smooth surfaces.​

    Get the eBook

More Truck, Bus & Rail Applications

Brake Systems & Pneumatic Controls

Interior & Passenger Comfort

Power Electronics Enhancement

Body Exterior and Panels

Industrial Seals and Gaskets
All Truck, Bus and Rail Applications

Material, Printer and Software Solutions for Molds & Patterns for Sand Metal Casting

Accura Composite PIV

High production speeds with exceptional stiffness/rigidity

3D Systems Accura Bluestone

Accura Bluestone (SLA)

Composite material for stable, high stiffness parts

Accura HPC Material

Accura HPC

High production speeds with exceptional stiffness/rigidity

SLA 750 3D Printer

SLA 750

Industrial-scale additive manufacturing solution for stereolithography

Talk to an Expert

20 character(s) remaining
I consent to receive 3D Systems Communications
Would you like to receive special offers, product updates, and event news from 3D Systems? By clicking "Yes", you agree to receive follow-up communications from 3D Systems or our partners. You can also choose to opt out of communications at any time. Please click here to view our Privacy Policy or click here to manage your Preferences.

  • Application Innovation Group

    Our team can help you solve your most difficult design and production challenges with additive manufacturing solutions. Together we’ll identify your needs, working with you to optimize your designs, prototype, validate and define a manufacturing flow.
    Find out more