Investment casting is a process wherein the wax is utilized to give shape to a ceramic mould that is disposable. Investment casting is also called precision casting or lost-cast waxing. This is one of the oldest and most popular methods of forming metal. This is used to cast metal that can be used for various purposes.
Benefits of an Investment Casting
There are multiple advantages of investment casting foundry.
- Investment casting ensures that there is a smooth finishing. The average surface finish cast is approximately 125 RA.
- Investment casting reduces the time required and improves the production capacity. It decreases the machine required to cast
- There is a tight tolerance in investment casting. The accepted tolerance is +/-.005 per inch.
- The cost of investment casting is affordable. The requirement of tools is less expensive and less dangerous.
- It is possible to have various sizes with investment casting. It can allow a small size as well as a large size.
- In investment casting, it is possible to use a wide range of materials such as steel, aluminium, cobalt, bronze and many more.
- As there are a wide range of materials used, investment casting can have a wide range of applications. It can be used in various industries to manufacture different types of parts.
- With the help of investment casting, parts with complicated shapes and minute details can be cast as one piece.
- Investment casting reduces the defects in the cast. It increases the quality and reduces the rejection rate.
Process of Investment Casting
In general, investment casting has the following process.
1. Master Pattern :
The first step is to create a master pattern using wax, clay, mould, or any other material that is suitable for the product requirement.
2. Master Mould :
Master mould is created using the wax pattern with the help of casting or machining.
3. Pattern :
In this step, molten wax is poured into the master mould and then left to harden it. This way pattern is made. Sometimes a pattern is formed with the help of frozen mercury as well as polymers.
4. Pattern Assembly :
Then the pattern is assembled in a wax sprue. Sprue will hold the patterns to avoid any sort of distortion.
5. Coating :
The assembled pattern is then coated using finely ground refractory material. This coating will ensure that the surface of the material is smooth.
6. De-waxing and Firing :
Once the coating has dried, the wax pattern is removed with the help of melting process. This process is done using firing method or steaming method.
7. Preheat and Casting :
The mould is then preheated to ensure better detailing and increase the accuracy. The molten metal is poured and left aside to cool down.
8. Post Processing :
Once the metal has solidified, the mould is broken to get the metal casting. Then post processing is done such as post-machining, colouring, painting, other treatments, and many more depending on the product requirement.
GPCL is an investment casting company based in Gujarat. We are one of the leading investment casting manufacturers in India. We manufacture different valves, pumps, mining products,sand & steel casting etc. GPCL is also an investment casting exporter. With around 20 years of experience, we have been known for our quality products all across the country. We are investment casting suppliers and have become the number one choice by companies across India.