Quality Precision Investment Casting Solutions
Investment casting, also known as lost wax casting,
is regarded as a precision casting process to fabricate near-net-shaped components
requiring complex shapes, often thin-wall products which may not require future
machining with accuracy, repeatability, versatility and integrity in a variety of metals
and high-performance alloys.
Investment castings offer complex internal geometries, significant weight
reduction opportunities, and unlimited alloy choices for the ultimate in design
flexibility.
The reduction or elimination of secondary machining allows us to easily
convert multi-part assemblies into single, as-cast parts with high rates of
repeatability. Thin wall capabilities, smooth surface finishes, and consistent
dimensional accuracies make investment casting the simple solution to complex
engineering.
The Investment Casting Process
Wax is injected into an aluminum die to produce a pattern that is an exact
replica of the part to be produced. The patterns are clustered around a coated sprue and
repeatedly dipped into an agitated vat of ceramic and allowed to dry. After a shell
thickness of approximately 3/16" has been built, the molds are dewaxed by either flash
firing at high heat (1400°F) or autoclaving. The hollow shells are then preheated to
800-2000°F depending on the alloy to be poured and the molten metal cast immediately
into the hot shell. After cooling, the ceramic is vibrated and blasted off the metal
parts.
Why Investment Casting?
The investment casting process produces
near-net-shape configurations offering engineers and designers
freedom of design in many types of alloys. This process is
capable of producing precise detail and dimensional accuracy in
parts weighing many pounds to just a few ounces. Precision
investment castings are able to reduce costs due to reduced
machining and less material waste.
Any castable alloy can be used,
including ones that are impossible to forge or too difficult to
machine. The cost of the alloy is less important in the final
price of an investment casting than in many other metal forming
processes; therefore an upgraded alloy can be specified at
little or no increase in price.
Investment casting can reduce costly
machining operations and sometimes even eliminate them.
Investment castings are produced to close tolerances and
near-net size, offering savings in machining time and material
costs.
The investment casting process produces
a reliable and consistent product. Our process control system
yields remarkable consistency from part to part as well as from
batch to batch. This reproducibility feature means our customers
will save time in both machine set up and assembly.
In addition to complex and demanding
parts, investment castings also produce many very simple parts
competitively. This capability is often made possible by low
tooling costs. Investment castings are competitively produced in
sizes ranging from a few grams to more than 300 kg (660 lb).
Need precision investment casting
solutions? Contact our expert team.
