Specialists at SKB-3 (part of the military-industrial holding company "Kingisepp Machine-Building Plant", KMZ) have mastered the technology of 3D printing of model tooling components using thermoplastic polyurethane. These parts are used in the assembly of waterjet propulsion units, according to the KMZ press service.
The structure of polyurethane consists of a block copolymer with alternating hard and soft segments. The material is characterized by strength and elasticity.
Thanks to its properties, thermoplastic polyurethane allows the production of sand cores of complex configuration.
With the new technology, it is possible to increase the production run of castings and reduce their cost.
KMZ has already manufactured the first batch of cores for the reverse gate of the waterjet propulsion unit, which fully comply with the established production characteristics.
Waterjet propulsion unit creates thrust for the movement of water transport. They work like pumps: sucking water through the inlet and pushing it out through the nozzle. KMZ produces propulsion units for small vessels. Among the holding's developments are models KMZJET-180, KMZJET-240 and KMZJET-340.
