What is Investment Casting? Investment casting is a metalworking manufacturing process with long history.And it is still widely used in modern producing.Today, we will make an introduction to the investment casting detail:
The basic question for investment casting.
- What is Investment Casting?
- Why Investment Casting is also called Lost Wax Casting?
- What is the Investment Casting Process?
- What is the method of of Investment Casting?
- When will we use of Investment Casting?
- What is the advantages of Investment Casting?
- What is the applications of Investment Casting?
What is Investment Casting?
Investment casting, also known as precision casting or lost-wax casting, is a manufacturing process in which a wax pattern is used to shape a ceramic mold.Then molten liquid metal is poured into an ceramic shell mold to get the desired cast part.
First, to make a wax pattern,then coat refractory ceramic materials on it.After ceramic material is hardened to get a shell. Then heated shell to let the wax melt and drain out. Then get a empty cavity.Then pour Molten metal is then poured into the mold,cooling and solidify. The obtained metal casting is is investment casting parts.
Why Investment Casting is also called Lost Wax Casting?
What is the Investment Casting Process?
The basic Investment Casting Process as below:
- Step 1: Tooling and Pattern Making
- Step 2: Pattern Assembly
- Step 3: Dipping and Coating
- Step 4: De-Waxing and Firing
- Step 5: Casting
- Step 6: Knockout
- Step 7: Finishing
- Step 8: Testing and Inspection
- Step 9: Packing and Shipping
Investment casting knowledge download
1—-Links:
For more investment casting process details, welcome link: The https://www.investmentcastingpci.com/investment-casting-process/ .There is investment casting process description and investment casting process flow diagram with details.
2—-Documents download:
Download process of investment casting pdf or investment casting process steps ppt
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What is the method of of Investment Casting?
When will we use of Investment Casting?
| Producing cost | Due to its complexity and labor requirements, investment casting is a relatively expensive process – however the benefits often outweigh the cost. Practically any metal can be investment cast. Parts manufactured by investment casting are normally small, but the process can be used effectively for parts. |
| Tooling cost | Expected usage rates are a crucial part of the calculation when selecting the right tooling option for investment casting. For low quantity requirements, investment castings may be more expensive than parts that are fabricated or cast using other methods if permanent tooling is pursued. For those applications, SLA or printed patterns may be a very cost effective alternative–even for a quantity of one. |
| Size Limitations | While it is possible to create investment castings in a range of sizes, and that capability continues to expand through the industry, there is an upper limit on that range that is less than other shaped technologies like sand casting. |
| Very Tinny structures | Investment casting is an excellent choice for thin-walled applications, but very small internal shapes that use cores can present processing challenges. Holes typically cannot be smaller than 1/16” (1.6mm) or deeper than 1.5x diameter. |
| Time Cost | The multi-step investment casting process itself is more time consuming that other castings processes. But the entire process time to create a finished can be shorter than alternatives because of the reduced need for additional machining. |
| Quantity and Cost | For high volume orders, the time and labor saved by eliminating or decreasing secondary machining easily makes up for the cost of new tooling. Small casting runs are less likely to make up for the investment. Generally, investment casting is a logical choice for a run of 25 parts or more. |
| Tooling amortization | It is a key factor to consider when determining whether investment casting brings the greatest value. The investment cast tool, a precision machined and assembled aluminum injection die, usually consists of multiple parts fitted together to produce the complex geometry of most investment cast components. This “front end” cost is not insignificant, but is often easily offset in a total cost analysis where the cost of unneeded subsequent machining and/or fabrication is excluded.As the only tool typically needed is for an injected wax part, tool wear is virtually non-existent. |
What is the advantages of Investment Casting?
The investment casting process offers many unique advantages and benefits than other casting processes,such as machining, welding, forging, stamping, and assemblies. It advantages are:
| Design Freedom: | The investment casting process allows the designer the flexibility of nearly infinite alloy choices, and great flexibility in external and internal configurations. |
| Accurate Dimension | Unlike other casting methods, there are no draft requirements in the investment casting process, allowing for much more accurate dimensional conformance. Near net shape |
| Reduced Machining | Investment castings are produced to close tolerances and near-net size. There is little secondary machining required, thus offering savings in machining time and material costs. |
| Reproducibility | The investment casting process produces a reliable and consistent product. |
| Mechanical Properties | Investment castings will usually be able to meet the same mechanical properties of components manufactured from wrought metals. |
| Superior Aesthetics | The surface finish of investment castings is consistently better than 125 RMS. Fine details, text, logo’s and design features not attainable with other processes are possible. |
| Flexible alloy selection | Steel,Nickel-Based Super alloy, Titanium, and Aluminum and so on |
What is the applications of Investment Casting?
| Marine | Agricultural, Industrial Equipment | Automotive/Truck Parts |
| Aerospace | Firearms Parts & Components | Door & Lock Security Hardware |
| Mining Industry | Hand Tools & Power Equipment | Pump and Valve |
| Military & Defense | Medical Devices & Equipment | many other industries |