This post was most recently updated on May 17th, 2023
Investment casting is one of the most popular manufacturing processes used in the industry for shaping moulds and casts. Whenever we talk about this process, we can expect precision, flexibility, and conservation of machining.
With the assistance of this writing, we have made an effort to take you through the primary and fundamental concepts related to this manufacturing process.
The writing kickstarts with the definition and ends with the benefits and applications of this labour-intensive process! Before diving into the writing, you can scrutinize exemplary services provided by https://cirexfoundry.com/investment-casting/ in that regard!
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What is Investment Casting?
Investment casting is a manufacturing process also known as Lost Wax Casting. Oxford Dictionary defines it as a mechanism by which medium-sized castings are formed using materials such as aluminium alloy, stainless steel, non-ferrous alloys etc. After the shape is cast, the wax is taken off by melting.
This process is also known as precision casting. The major reason for manipulating this process is that it consumes minimum energy and machining. Most manufacturers go for this process when they tend to design intricate parts.
Applications of Investment Castings
This process has been rescuing thousands of people who plan to cast intricate and net-shape products. Not to forget that this process is not newly discovered. It has a long history and has widely been used in sectors like defence, medicine, petroleum, chemical, and gas turbine engine.
Benefits of Opting for Investment Castings
Like every other process, this mechanism has its share of positives and negatives. Fortunately, the benefits and practical applications of this process outweigh the negatives.
For that reason, we have brought together the major benefits you enjoy when you opt for this manufacturing process. Let’s go through the benefits!
1. Diversity in Sizes
One of the key benefits of this process is that it allows you to create casts in a bunch of sizes and shapes. Though it doesn’t support massive moulds or casts, you can use it to cast a product of about 1000 pounds or 1500 pounds. Note that for casting products of this size, you need to hire a professional.
2. Smooth and Accurate Surfaces
Unlike sand castings, this process involves the usage of a single mould, which means that the final product will have no parting. Thus, you get smooth surfaces. In sand castings, two moulds are used simultaneously, which is why you get a parting line in the final product.
3. Flexibility and Versatility
Versatility and flexibility have a major role in attracting people’s attention to it. For casting, manufacturers use a variety of materials, ranging from aluminium alloys to stainless steel. Finishing and surface furnishings are done after consulting customers.
Note that the price of the product varies from one product to another. The price depends upon the material used, the furnishings needed, and the size of the final product.
Final Statement
Investment castings are one of the most versatile and sought-after methods used in the manufacturing industry for shaping intricate products with accurate and smooth surfaces. Stay connected with our group of professionals for detailed information!
