Today I will be discussing the definition, applications, working, advantages, and disadvantages. Previously, I published an article on the working of evaporative pattern casting.
Read more: Understanding evaporative pattern casting
Contents
What is investment casting?
Investment casting, which is also known as “lost wax” casting. it is a method of the precision casting process to manufacture small complicated parts, using almost all alloy. The process uses replication of wax patterns to create parts.
Applications of investment casting
In the early stage, it was used by ancient Chinese and Egyptian culture to create artwork. Not until the development of the jet turbine engine at the end of world war II. Investment casting became an enabling technology in most industries today, their applications include:
- Aerospace and defense
- Power generation
- Automotive
- Oil and gas
- Space exploration
- Medical / orthopedics
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Commercial and consumer products.
Read more: Understanding sand casting process
Watch the video below to learn more on the working of investment casting:
Advantages
Investment casting offers better advantages as it can be used in different fields. The following are its advantages.
- It offers a smooth surface finish
- Ability to produce a versatile and intricate finish
- It offers accurate dimension
- One of the greatest advantages of investment casting is that it offers good and quality integrity to the casting. and
- Ability to produce casting with at least 1000 pounds weight.
Read more: Understanding die casting
Factors to be considered when choosing this casting process:
It is important to know the things it can offer before choosing it. these factors will lead to a succession of the production if the job truly suits the casting process. factors consider include;
Tooling cost: it is important to know and calculate the tooling cost before choosing any casting process. for example, casting items of low quantity in investment casting will be more expensive. So, it should be considered when pursuing a long impression. Payment for castings should be considered when determining if this casting offers greater values.
Size limitations: suitability for producing small parts. Big parts should not be performed on this process, unlike sand casting that is suitable for large parts. Items with small size and intricate shape should be done during this casting process.
Very small structures: this process is suitable for making thin-walled applications. However, the presence of cores can be difficult and challenging. Core typically cannot be smaller than 1/16 (1.6mm) and deeper than 1.5x diameter.
Timing: time to produce items should also be considered in investment casting. the multi-step way is more time-consuming.
Read more: Understanding centrifugal casting
That is all for this article, where the definition, applications, working, and advantages of investment casting are being discussed. I hope you got a lot from the reading, if so, kindly share with other students. Thanks for reading, see you next time!
