Investment Casting
DEZE provides high-quality custom investment casting parts and components to a wide range of industries. We also offer a wide range of secondary services including machining, surface treatment, and more.
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 disposable mold. A wax pattern is made in the exact shape of the item to be cast. This pattern is coated with a refractory ceramic material. Once the ceramic material is hardened, it is turned upside-down and heated until the wax melts and drains out. The hardened ceramic shell becomes an expendable investment mold. Molten metal is poured into the mold and is left to cool. The metal casting is then broken from the spent mold.
The investment casting process allows for the production of complex parts with high accuracy and surface finish, making it suitable for industries that require intricate components, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical equipment manufacturing.
The Investment Casting Process
The investment casting process, also known as lost-wax casting, involves several steps to create metal parts with high precision and intricate details. Here is an overview of the investment casting process:
1、Pattern Creation
The wax is injected into the metal mold to form a one-off wax pattern that is identical to the metal part being produced. Several patterns are connected to a central wax pouring system to create tree-like components.
3、Pouring
The mold is preheated in a furnace to approximately 1000°C (1832°F) and the molten metal is poured from a ladle into the gating system, filling the mold cavity. Pouring is typically achieved manually under the force of gravity, but other methods such as vacuum or pressure are sometimes used.
5、Casting Removal
After the molten metal has cooled, the mold can be broken and the casting removed. The ceramic mold is typically broken using water jets, but several other methods exist. Once removed, the parts are separated from the gating system by either sawing or cold breaking (using liquid nitrogen).
2、Mold Creation
The "model tree" is dipped into a slurry of fine ceramic particles, coated with coarser particles, and then dried to form a ceramic shell around the model and gating system. This process is repeated until the shell is thick enough to withstand the molten metal it will encounter. The shell is then placed in an oven and the wax melts, leaving behind a hollow ceramic shell that serves as a one-piece mold, hence the name "lost wax" casting.
4、Cooling
After the mold has been filled, the molten metal is allowed to cool and solidify into the shape of the final casting. Cooling time depends on the thickness of the part, the thickness of the mold, and the material used.
6、Finishing
Oftentimes, finishing operations such as grinding or sandblasting are used to smooth the part at the gates. Heat treatment is also sometimes used to harden the final part.
Investment Casting Materials
At DEZE, we produce complex parts from a wide range of investment casting alloys. Our team is committed to quality precision investment casting, and we work with a variety of metals to produce components to your exact specifications. Some precision-casting alloy material options include:
Custom Investment Casting Parts
DEZE offers investment casting services, producing high-quality custom metal components. Utilizing various metals and alloys, we create complex and detailed parts that are both cost-effective and high-performing, designed to meet your specific requirements.
Complex Geometries
Investment casting allows for the production of parts with complex shapes, intricate details, thin walls, and internal cavities that may be difficult or impossible to achieve with other manufacturing methods.
High-Dimensional Accuracy
Parts produced through investment casting typically have high dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances, making them suitable for applications that require precise and consistent dimensions.
Smooth Surface Finish
Investment casting results in parts with a smooth surface finish, reducing the need for additional machining or finishing processes.
Versatility in Materials
Investment casting can be used with a wide range of materials, including various metals and alloys such as stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, titanium, and more, allowing for flexibility in material selection based on the application requirements.
Advantages of Investment Casting
Investment casting offers several advantages that make it a preferred method for producing metal parts with high precision and intricate details.
Linear Tolerance of Investment Casting
Normal linear tolerances of investment casting are as follows as a general rule: Up to 1” +/- .010”, for each additional inch up to ten inches +/- .003” per inch. For dimensions greater than ten inches allow +/- .005” per inch. Secondary operations such as straightening and sizing will produce closer dimensional tolerance.
| Dimensions | Normal Tolerance of Investment Casting |
|---|---|
| Up to 1” | +/- .010” |
| Up to 2” | +/- .013” |
| Up to 3” | +/- .016” |
| Up to 4” | +/- .019” |
| Up to 5” | +/- .022” |
| Up to 6” | +/- .025” |
| Up to 7” | +/- .028” |
| Up to 8” | +/- .031” |
| Up to 9” | +/- .034” |
| Up to 10” | +/- .037” |
| > 10” | allow +/- .005” per inch |
An exception to the linear tolerance exists on wall thickness where the tolerance must be a minimum of +/- .020”.
Applications of Investment Casting
Investment casting finds applications across various industries due to its ability to produce complex and intricate metal parts with high precision and fine details. Some common applications of investment casting include:
Aerospace & aviation
DEZE can produce high-precision components and assemblies that withstand extreme conditions.
Medical
Produce custom medical devices and diagnostic equipment to get healthcare innovations into hospitals and homes.
Automotive
Investment Casting produces parts that require tight tolerances and exact specifications, such as engine blocks, and transmission housings.
Robotics & Automation
Produce complex robotic systems, end effectors, and automated machinery for this innovative industry.
Investment Casting Products Display
At DEZE, we specialize in investment casting services for industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Our cutting-edge techniques and equipment produce precision-cast components tailored to your specifications. Whether you require intricate parts with fine details or durable castings for challenging applications, we have the expertise to provide high-quality results that meet your needs.
