YN2-TECH x CASTEM [PART2] : Initiatives of both companies that mastered handling the latest AM technology, such as making prototypes using 3D printers in Thailand

▲ Mr. Mino of Castem Thailand is wearing a metal mask weighing 7 kg. MD Nakamura is holding a Pokemon basket

▶ To YN2-TECH x CASTEM [PART1]

Mr. Nakamura, MD of YN2-TECH and Mr. Takuma Mino, General Manager of Castem Thailand, took the platform at the "Additive Manufacturing Conference 2020" held at BITEC on December 3, 2020. We asked them about the details of the collaboration between the two companies.

▲ A number of products manufactured by Castem exhibited at the venue

Founded in 1948 as a confectionery company (Maruto Confectionery), Castem has a history of more than 50 years, but its mind is youthful. In the field of parts making by the lost wax manufacturing method, which was started in order to do maintenance of the confectionery making machine by themselves, it became a leading company of the method by refining its technology.

In addition, since 2015, the company has been focusing on the direct casting manufacturing method using 3D printers.

And in Thailand, it has a leading presence in the field of Additive Manufacturing (AM for short / a manufacturing method building 3D objects by adding layer-upon-layer of material), and is collaborating with YN2-TECH.

MD Nakamura of YN2-TECH says, "We ask Castem Thailand to make prototypes of metal parts and products that we want to manufacture by performing thorough thermal analysis. On the other hand, we may be consulted on equipment," explains the relationship between the two companies.

In addition, "Castem can handle metals using 3D printers and collaborates with various companies to make metal products, then helps in monetizing them properly. They carry out marketing and also do public relations activities. The company's way of thinking is very educational to us (MD Nakamura)." He says that the company's presence is a good stimulus.

On the other hand, Mr. Mino of Castem says, "YN2-TECH is designing parts under a strong relationship with automobile-related manufacturing companies. By collaborating with YN2-TECH, from the designing stage, we can have people know about the mold manufacturing method by lost wax which is our strength. We would like to continue to support the company with our technology."

3 manufacturing methods: lost wax, metal injection, and direct casting that are compatible with wide-variety-small lots

Lost-wax manufacturing method : This is one of the casting techniques that has existed since pre-era, but Castem's original research and development has made it possible to manufacture parts such as screws and gears with high precision that could only be done by cutting.

Advantages of the lost wax manufacturing method
① Inexpensive mold manufacturing and semi-permanent
② Mass production of products with complex shapes.
③ Compatible with hard and difficult-to-cut metal materials such as stainless steel
④ Compatible with high-level steel and metal materials such as titanium

Metal injection manufacturing method (metal powder injection molding method / MIM): A processing method in which powdered metal powder and a binder (adhesive) are mixed and injected into a mold.

Advantages of the metal injection manufacturing method
① Mass-production of small complex shaped parts with high accuracy and strength
② High degree of freedom in shape, and 3D shapes such as sharp edges, irregular holes, and crossed holes can be created
③ Cost reduction by manufacturing multiple parts in an integrated manner
④ High dimensional accuracy (general tolerance of metal injection ± 0.5%)
⑤ Achieves a relative density of 96% or more
⑥ Mechanical strength close to that of welding products can be obtained
⑦ Surface treatment such as heat treatment and a plating equivalent to that of welding products is possible

Direct casting ：A manufacturing method in which the WAX from lost wax is replaced with plastic formed by a 3D printer and metallized.

Advantages of the direct casting manufacturing method
① Can be manufactured at a lower cost than a 3D printer for metal
② Can be manufactured without a mold
③ Can be manufactured with a wide variety of steel materials

▲ Products with complex, irregular shapes, 3D curves / Thin-cut shapes (left) Complex, irregular shapes (right)

▲ Products realized low cost / Cam gears (left) SKD, SKH, Stelite castings (right)

MD Nakamura says, "As for future development, we are planning to hold a workshop on ‘AM solutions using metal’ by both companies," as part of the concept for future development.

"I would like to do something new with Additive Manufacturing, the manufacturing method introduced at this conference that does not use molds. (MD Nakamura)"

MD Nakamura of YN2-TECH is scheduled to appear in the March and April issues of Samurai Asia Magazine in 2021. We look forward to seeing a follow-up report.

▲ (Left) Mr. Takuo Toda, CEO of Castem Group Chairman of the ‘Origami Paper-plane Association’, Guinness World Records holder for the flight time of paper planes, and a versatile charismatic company owner
(Right) Elaborate miniature tools made with metal injection molding (MIM)

▲ A mask of the Robin-Mask that appears in the animation "Kinnikuman", which was introduced in the 2019 variety show in Japanese TV and became a hot topic.
In 2020, a mask for Akuma Shogun (Demon General) was also created.

▲ "Koma Taisen (Pawn War)" sponsored by Castem Thailand (2018-2019), which began with classes at the Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology

Cooperation: Castem Co., Ltd., CASTEM (Siam) Co., Ltd.

If you are interested in 3D solutions & the 3D printers of CASTEM and YN2-TECH, direct casting, and prototype production by lost wax manufacturing method, please contact us using the form below.