The Tooling and Casting subgroup of the European Action on Rapid Prototyping (EARP) has undertaken a project to investigate the problems associated with using rapid prototype models as sacrificial patterns for investment casting. The accuracy and surface finish of the models and the castings were also assessed so that a comparison could be made. Models from each process were manufactured by different members of EARP and then three foundries were each given a set of models to convert to castings. Observes that one of the oldest metal manufacturing techniques, which dates back to 4000-6000 BC, is being used with one of the most modern - rapid prototyping.

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