Japanese Mitsubishi Zero Tail Wheel Casting with 3D Printed Mold & Core

The Challenge:

Over time, a tail wheel part for a Mitsubishi A6M “Zero” aircraft deteriorated and became non-functional. How can we engineer a fully functional, flight-ready aluminum casting tail wheel bracket from a severely corroded, original part from the 1940s?

The Solution:

Based on the existing part, our experts began by designing a 3D CAD model of the wheel bracket. Using the CAD design, we re-engineered the mold with casting rigging to ensure the final part’s structural integrity. We produced a 3D-printed mold and core to replicate the part to specifications. From there, we were able to create a casting assembly to the requirements of the original design. The aluminum casting was poured, heat treated, finished, and machined to meet the design’s engineering tolerances and functional specifications.

The Results:

Pentz Cast Solutions reproduced a structurally sound tail wheel bracket to restore a Japanese Mitsubishi A6M “Zero” aircraft to flying condition after 70 years by reverse engineering an eroded wheel part.

Contact Pentz Cast for Complex Casting Solutions with Mold and Core Capabilities

We have over 40 years of experience creating mission-critical components for various industries. Our team of experts thrives on challenging projects, exploring innovative casting solutions to meet your needs. Working with you, we can create small castings, large castings, prototypes, and more to specifications, pushing boundaries of engineering and design to deliver unique castings for industrial applications.

Contact us to discuss the needs of your projects or request a quote to get started today.