3D Printing Quality Molds Cores Provides Competitive Advantage

Pattern shop delivers quality binder jet 3D printed cores and molds to help foundries increase casting quality 

Founded in 1997, Hoosier Pattern embraced additive manufacturing by partnering with ExOne in 2013, making them the first pattern shop in North America to own and operate a sand 3D printer in-house. Today, Hoosier Pattern has three S-Max® and one S-Max® Pro binder jetting systems in their facility and uses their 3D printing capabilities to open new business opportunities, for both their additive and subtractive manufacturing operations.

Binder jetting technology from ExOne aligns Hoosier's 5S lean manufacturing methodology with their production practices, all while opening new opportunities and growing the business. Today Hoosier ships cores to five continents, capitalizing on the ability to offer a 10-day turnaround time with additively manufactured molds and cores.

In this case study, you'll learn how:

• A consolidated, complex 3D printed core allows continuous iteration of a serial production design in value-adding ways
• A high-quality monolithic core decreases post processing time 70% saving a customer almost $250,000 in production 
• Design freedom enables part traceability that led to a Marine finding a personal connection to their military vehicle, and
• Nearly a decade of 3D printed projects, from historical restoration and industry applications to kickstarter campaigns, grows the business

“Binder jetting is another tool in our toolbox and complementary to our CNC machines, but we know that it is the future of the foundry and pattern shop industry.”

Dave Rittmeyer, Customer Care & Additive Manufacturing Manager, Hoosier Pattern