A novel technology

rapid prototyping for expandable polystyrene pattern

is introduced

where unnecessary part of the pattern is evaporated by the laminated method with a pin hot knife. The influence of process parameters on the surface roughness of expandable polystyrene pattern is analyzed. The optimal process parameters

such as cutting speed 35 mm/s

knife temperature 400 ℃ and layered thickness 0.1 mm

are experimentally obtained and combined to meet the surface roughness criterion of lost foam casting. The proposed technology is of higher efficiency and precision

and lower cost.