Investment casting is the process of injecting wax into aluminum die blocks. By dipping the wax impression in a slurry and removing it from the die, ceramic stucco is created. To prepare it for pouring out, the shell is heated in the oven to melt the wax. The shell is filled with molten metal after the wax has melted. In order to shape and grind the part, the ceramic outer layer is removed once the part has cooled.
Following are the steps involved in Investment casting
- STEP 1: MOULD ENGINEERING & PRODUCTION
- STEP 2: WAX MODEL SPRAYING & TREE BUILDING
- STEP 3: RINSING THE WAX TREES
- STEP 4: BUILDING CERAMIC LAYERS
- STEP 5: AUTOCLAVE
- STEP 6: SINTERING
- STEP 7: CASTING
- STEP 8: FINISHING
- STEP 9: BLASTING, GRINDING AND VISUAL INSPECTION
- STEP 10: MACHINING AND HEAT- AND SURFACE TREATMENT
- STEP 11: FINAL INSPECTION
Why and when to choose investment casting?
Its near net shape, close tolerance to the final finished part, and naturally smooth surface make investment casting a preferred method of casting. Through a consistently monitored approach, our highly experienced team of engineers meets the world’s most demanding specifications.
- Cost-effective production of complex parts
- Can produce several castings with a similar net shape in one batch.
- Saves time and money by requiring very little additional machining.
- By converting a machined and welded part to a single form casting, you can reduce costs and timelines by 50%.
- Highly complex geometry – Casting walls as thin as 1/8 inches and working with ferrous and non-ferrous metals
- Near net shape – Investment castings of high quality have a tight tolerance to the final product and a natural surface finish.
- Structural strength – Single form castings can be more structurally sound than welded machined parts – welded seams can weaken over time.
- Small parts – Final casting from ounces to 150 pounds.