Numerical Investigation of Transient Heat Transfer and Wax Solidification in SLA and 6061 Aluminum Molds for Investment Casting

DuVan Nguyen

doi:10.55927/fjmr.v5i10.222

Authors

DuVan Nguyen Thu Duc College of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/fjmr.v5i10.222

Keywords:

Investment Casting, 3D-Printed Mold, SLA Mold, Heat Transfer, Wax Solidification

Abstract

This study numerically investigates transient heat transfer and wax solidification in investment-casting molds made from SLA Rigid 10K photopolymer and 6061 aluminum. A three-dimensional finite-element model is used to compare both mold materials under identical geometric and thermal conditions. Temperature evolution, heat flux, cooling rate, and solidification behavior are evaluated using a volume-averaged solid-fraction criterion of 0.95. The effects of SLA mold thickness and thermal conductivity are also examined. The simulations show that [insert the verified quantitative comparison of cooling or solidification time], while the parametric analysis identifies [insert the principal quantified design finding]. These results clarify the thermal limitations of polymeric tooling and support evidence-based design decisions for SLA investment-casting molds.

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