Precision Investment Casting Services combined with
CNC Machining and Surface Treatment capabilities for Industrial Applications
Dedication to Quality : Precision Investment Casting Service
Our advanced lost wax casting process enables us to transform a concept model into reality efficiently and affordably. By integrating our precision investment casting technology with cutting-edge CNC machining, we can overcome various engineering design limitations.
Our investment casting method offers a rapid and cost-effective solution for both low and high-volume production. It allows for the creation of intricate components with detailed internal and external features, ultra-smooth surface finishes, and thin-wall structures—eliminating the need for machining from solid material.
Steps of Investment Casting Process
Materials
Pre and Post Operations
1- Material Selection
Ensuring the quality of raw materials (metals, alloys, and refractories).
2. Wax Pattern Inspection
Inspecting patterns for cracks, air bubbles, or voids and verifying dimensional tolerances to ensure the mold matches specifications.
3. Shell Building
Building shell layers uniformly and consistently to ensure controlled drying and hardening to avoid shell cracks.
4. Mold (Shell) Inspection
Checking the shell mold for surface finish, uniformity, and strength as well as performing stress tests to ensure mold durability during casting.
5. Casting Process Control
Monitoring molten metal temperature for accurate pouring, avoiding porosity, air entrainment, and turbulence in casting.
6. Post-Casting Inspection
Inspecting the casting for surface and internal defects with several NDT tests
7. Heat Treatment and Finishing
Performing heat treatment to adjust material properties and finishing processes like grinding and polishing to improve surface quality.
8. Final Inspection and Testing
Conducting mechanical testing to verify material properties and verifying dimensional conformance to blueprints or 3D models.
Investment Casting Costs and Pricing
Some Produced Products
FAQ
Investment casting is used in a variety of industries, including:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Medical
- Military and defense
- Industrial machinery
- Power generation
- Jewelry and art casting
- Precision and accuracy: Produces complex shapes with tight tolerances.
- Smooth surface finish: Requires minimal machining or finishing.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of metals and designs.
- Material efficiency: Minimizes waste due to near-net-shape production.
- Cost-effectiveness: Reduces the need for assembly by integrating multiple components into one casting.
Investment casting is versatile in terms of size and weight. Components can range from a few grams to several kilograms. However, extremely large or heavy components may require alternative manufacturing processes.
The timeline for investment casting depends on the complexity of the design, the quantity of parts, and other factors. Typically, the process takes several weeks from the creation of the wax pattern to the final product.
Lead times vary based on factors such as design complexity, material selection, and order volume. On average, lead times range from 4 to 8 weeks. Expedited services may be available upon request.
Yes, investment casting is an excellent choice for prototypes due to its ability to produce high-precision components without the need for expensive tooling.
To ensure the best results, consider the following design guidelines:
- Avoid sharp corners; use radii to reduce stress concentrations.
- Maintain uniform wall thicknesses where possible.
- Include draft angles to facilitate mold removal.
- Discuss tolerances and other specific requirements with the casting service provider.
To request a quote, provide the following details:
- Part design or CAD model
- Desired material
- Quantity required
- Specific tolerances and surface finish requirements
- Any additional certifications or testing requirements
Investment casting is known for its ability to achieve tight tolerances.The exact tolerances depend on factors such as material type, part geometry, and size. For critical dimensions, additional machining may be performed to meet exact specifications.
Yes, ceramic cores can be used during the investment casting process to create complex internal cavities and passages within a component. These cores are removed after casting to leave the desired hollow features.
Investment casting and die casting are both precise manufacturing methods but differ in application:
- Investment casting is better suited for smaller production runs, intricate designs, and high-melting-point alloys.
- Die casting is ideal for high-volume production and materials such as aluminum and zinc but may require more expensive tooling.
Investment casting typically results in a smooth surface finish. Additional finishing processes such as polishing, machining, or coating can be applied to meet specific requirements.
Yes, parts produced through investment casting can undergo heat treatment to improve mechanical properties such as strength, hardness, and wear resistance. Heat treatment processes depend on the material used and the intended application of the part.
The shrinkage rate in investment casting varies depending on the material, typically ranging from 1% to 2%. This shrinkage is accounted for during the design phase to ensure the final dimensions meet specifications.
How can we help you ?
Investment Casting is indispensable to various industries and their success depends on the careful selection of contractors.
Novelty Structures stands out as a reliable partner in providing high-quality Casting parts with complementary Post-Casting operations tailored to demanding industrial needs.
