Investment casting, sometimes called lost wax casting, is a process that requires the injection of wax into a die to produce a desired pattern. The investment casting process requires a series of steps to form liquid metal into intricate shaped products. With this process, you can produce complex parts like turbine blades, which may be hard to fabricate with normal manufacturing techniques. Investment casting materials that are difficult to machine are also good candidates for this process. This casting process can be useful for metals like stainless steel, tool steels and other types of alloys.
Compared to other casting processes, investment casting can offer advantages like the ability to produce intricate designs, utilize a wide range of alloys, lower tooling cost and provide close tolerance. While this process is more expensive than others are and may not be appropriate for many metal part requirements, it can provide a cost-effective solution for complex applications.
Some options to review when considering the use of investment casting are:
1. Find manufacturers that fabricate investment casting products in different casting materials and for multiple industries.
2. Buy investment casting supplies and equipment for your business.
3. Locate investment casting services that offer rapid prototype castings.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find out the type of investment casting services each company offers
If you are looking for castings for various products in different casting materials or have a complex design (turbine blades or other airplane parts), the best solution is to find manufacturers with experience in these areas and that can provide services that include CAD/CAM, tooling and complete in-house-capabilities. These companies specialize in specific casting materials, have expertise in certain design applications and can help you through the casting process of your product or part.
I recommend: Consolidated Casting Corp. offers a wide array of casting services for and serves many industries. The company makes casting from many materials that include stainless steel, carbon and low steel alloys.
SeaCast and
Lamothermic Precision Investment Casting Corp. also provide many casting services in a wide selection of materials.
Get quality supplies and equipment for an investment casting business
For the smooth operation of your business without any downtime, you will need investment casting equipment and supplies from suppliers that offer quality products. You need companies that can also provide good customer service to help you choose the right equipment and supplies.
I recommend: At
Charles A. Hones, Inc., you can find ovens for investment casting. The company can customize ovens for your particular need and they handle small and large orders. Go to
Metsch Refractories Inc. to get pouring cups and vent plugs for investment casting molds. Contact both companies for quotes or more information.
Find precision investment casting services that include rapid prototyping of parts
Whether you need one or many prototype parts for a project, you require a company that can produce the parts to meet the quantity, quality, delivery and cost constraints for your project. Find companies that can offer fast turnaround solution for your prototype parts.
I recommend: Texcast Inc. provides rapid prototyping services for 1- 1000+ pieces in a certain weight and size range. At
Wisconsin Precision Casting Corp., you can get a prototype part from a solid model to metal in five to seven business days. The company has many other services available.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Something to remember in the early phase of your design plans is to get investment casting services that include design engineering for advice on challenging applications.
The official source of Investment Casting is the Investment Casting page at Business.com
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