Paraffin Wax Application In Automative Modelling

Abstract

This research was done to find out whether paraffin wax could be used in the local environment as an alternative modeling material. Experiment on full scale automobile model was undertaken by using paraffin wax as modeling material. Comparison was made with the normal Industrial Design clay on the overall performance correspond to the local environment and the conventional modeling processes. A gloss surface finish can be achieved without any additional coating or surface treatment. The material was found to be very stable within the temperature range of 25 oC to 37 oC, based on the experimental room temperature monitoring. For manual forming and carving method, paraffin wax was found to be about four times harder than Industrial Design clay, which has been confirmed with the Shore Hardness test. Thermal analysis has been done to define the temperature effect on density, strength, hardness and shrinkage profile. Differential Scanning Calorimeter was used to confirm the actual peak point of solid-solid transition temperature, which was used to determine the maximum volumetric stability level. In order to determine the volumetric stability range, cooling curve experiment was done to observe the change of volume during the paraffin wax transformation from liquid to solid phase. As to determine any chemical reaction or changes, Gas Chromatography and Infra Red Analyser were used to define the actual contents of the wax before and after recycling. The findings of the research have proven that wax has a wide perspective in modeling industry. The cost effectiveness of the wax application, have been found to be the solution to several manufacturing problems