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Investment Casting Process

Investment Casting Process

The Magic of Investment Casting

investment casting is a manufacturing process that has been used for a long time to create high-precision parts with minimal surface defects. The process involves creating a wax pattern, casting it in ceramic shells, and then removing the wax to create an empty space. The space is then filled with molten metal, which solidifies to form the final part. The ceramic shell is then removed, leaving a finished product that requires little post-processing. Investment casting is highly precise and is often used in the aerospace, medical, and automotive industries.

Investment Casting Process at KEMING MACHINERY: A Step-by-Step Guide

NINGBO KEMING MACHINERY MANUFACTURING CO.,LIMITED specializes in producing high-quality investment castings using advanced technology. Our investment casting process includes the following steps:

Tooling making: We create precision tooling using CNC technology.

Wax injection and pattern assembly: We inject wax into the tooling to create patterns, then assemble them onto a sprue.

Shell building: We dip the pattern assembly into a ceramic slurry and coat it with a refractory material to build the ceramic shell.

Dewaxing: We remove the wax from the ceramic shell by heating it until the wax melts and runs out.

Casting: We pour molten metal into the empty space created by the removed wax pattern.

Knock out: We break the ceramic shell and remove the investment castings for further processing.

Heat treatment: We improve the mechanical properties of the casting blanks by subjecting them to heat treatment.

Shot blasting/sand blasting: We remove scales and achieve a better surface finish using shot or sand blasting.

Surface treatments: We apply anti-rust coating or other surface treatments to protect the castings from rust.

Inspection: We conduct dimensional, surface, and defect inspections to ensure quality.

Packaging: We package the investment castings carefully for shipment.

At NINGBO KEMING MACHINERY MANUFACTURING CO.,LIMITED, we prioritize quality control at every stage of the investment casting process to ensure customer satisfaction.

Advantages of Investment Casting Process

Investment casting is a manufacturing process that offers several advantages, making it an ideal choice for many industrial applications. Here are some of the key advantages of investment casting:

Precision and Accuracy: Investment casting enables the production of parts with intricate geometries, undercuts, and complex forms that are impossible to achieve with other casting methods. It also provides high dimensional accuracy, which reduces the need for secondary machining.

Superior Surface Finish: This process produces smooth surface finishes better than other casting methods, thus minimizing the need for further treatment or finishing processes. This results in savings and quick production runs.

Material Versatility: Investment casting works with a wide range of metals and alloys, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and bronze. It offers high malleability, allowing you to choose the best materials that meet all specific requirements for your finished product.

Suitable for Complex Designs: Investment casting is ideal for manufacturing complex parts since it employs a wax pattern and ceramic mold, which enables it to achieve a high level of detail and complexity.

Cost-Effective for Small to Medium Runs: Investment casting is cost-effective when applied to small to medium runs. It requires fewer steps and generates less waste than other procedures. Although the initial tooling cost can be high, it is usually compensated for by lower per-piece costs in production.

Near-Net-Shape Parts: The investment casting technology produces near-net shape parts, which require little or no additional machining or finishing after the casting process. This eliminates time and reduces costs, particularly for complex-shaped components made of hard materials.

Investment casting is a highly accurate and versatile manufacturing process that offers a wide range of material and production options. It allows for the production of complex and intricate designs with minimal finishing, making it a cost-effective solution for small and medium production runs.

 

Tips on Selecting Investment Casting Process

Investment casting is a highly efficient manufacturing method that can provide outstanding results. However, it's crucial to select this process carefully to make sure it fits your project's specific needs. Here are some tips for choosing the investment casting process, particularly when considering KEMING MACHINERY as your manufacturing partner:

Assess Your Design Needs: Evaluate your component's complexity, details, and features to determine if investment casting is the ideal choice. This method is most suitable for complex and intricate designs.

Consider the Material: KEMING MACHINERY can work with various types of metals and alloys. Choose the material that best meets your project's specific requirements, such as strength, heat resistance, and corrosive resistance.

Evaluate Production Volume: Investment casting is cost-effective for both small and large production runs. Discuss your project's volume with KEMING MACHINERY to determine whether the mold-making cost is feasible for your budget.

Check Lead Time: While KEMING MACHINERY is known for efficiency, the investment casting process involves several stages that can take time to complete. Consult with KEMING MACHINERY about your project's timeline to ensure they can meet your requirements.

Review Post-Processing Needs: Even though investment casting provides high surface quality and dimensional accuracy, some projects may require post-processing techniques such as machining, heat treatment, or special coatings. Discuss these requirements with KEMING MACHINERY to ensure they can meet your demands.

Partner with an Experienced Foundry: KEMING MACHINERY is professional and experienced in investment casting. They can provide guidance on design optimization and material selection and offer quality results as well. Partnering with a reliable foundry such as KEMING MACHINERY will make project management easier.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether the investment casting process and KEMING MACHINERY are suitable for your project. With a focus on quality, customer support, and technology, KEMING MACHINERY is the right choice for your investment casting needs.