- Team Square
In the world of industrial manufacturing, quality control is a guarantee: repeatable molds, fixed parameters, consistent materials. But when it comes to 3D printing applied to production—such as in the case of cores and molds for foundry use—every single element of the additive process must be monitored, measured, and validated.
In our new video, we showcase the behind-the-scenes of our laboratory testing that we carry out for every 3D production. It’s an invisible job, but essential to ensure that the printed parts meet the precision and performance standards required by the industry.
Why Qualification Testing Is Essential in Industrial 3D Printing
Unlike traditional molding technologies, where hardware ensures shape and repeatability, 3D printing operates with more variable parameters:porous or compressible materials, freeform geometries, and temperatures that are not always perfectly uniform. That’s why each print batch requires a targeted validation system, using a framework of technical tests.
The video shows how, during the printing of foundry cores, specific test specimens are integrated into the process intended for laboratory testing. These tests are used to verify whether the parts fall within the acceptable tolerances before authorizing their use or casting.
The tests we perform on every 3D printing batch
Our qualification protocol includes a mix of dimensional, mechanical, and physico-chemical tests, including:
- Dimensional inspection along X, Y, and Z axes compared to the original CAD file
- Verification of theoretical weight to assess material density and cohesion
- Dynamometer tests to determine mechanical breaking strength
- Total calcination tests to analyze the amount of resin present in the printed part
- 3D scanning for advanced geometric validation through file-to-object comparison
All these tests require about 2.5 hours of work by a specialized technician, plus curing and post-processing times, for a total of 24 to 48 hours from the print completion.
Quality Under Continuous Control
Our approach goes beyond certifying the final part; it monitors the entire process closely. . Any deviation from the acceptable parameters results in Select 92 more words to run Humanizer. corrective actions, often complex, requiring iterative interventions. , che richiedono interventi iterativi.
Just like a cyclist makes constant micro-adjustments to stay balanced, keeping a 3D printing machine aligned with specifications requires continuous data collection and constant calibration.
Industrial Reliability for Next-Generation Castings
This control system allows Prototypes to offer reliable additive solutions not only for prototyping but also for full-scale production. Our 3D-printed cores can be used directly in foundry processes only after successfully completing a comprehensive quality verification process.
This makes them ideal for:
- Foundries aiming to reduce waste and rework
- Productions with complex geometries requiring high standards
- Innovative projects with stringent control requirements
3D printing is not just about shape, but also about continuous technical control. At Prototypes, we have developed a rigorous system of testing and validation to ensure that every part produced meets the standards required by industrial manufacturing.
Watch our video to discover how our in-house quality control laboratory works, and why every 3D print we produce is much more than just a “copy of the file.”
Prototypes Services
With Rapid Prototyping services we can make your designs a reality by producing functional parts in plastic, rubber, aluminum and cast iron in a very short time, reducing your “Time to Market” and enabling overall project cost containment.
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Applications
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Grids
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Distributors
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Pump body
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Engine shields
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Racing Components
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