When people think of investment casting, stainless steel molding is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But this technology, with its advantages, offers a perfect solution for making complex structural parts from high-performance alloys like titanium alloys and aluminum alloys. As a professional investment casting expert, QD Foundry uses advanced equipment and strict processes to provide customized investment casting solutions for various industries, achieving breakthroughs in materials and performance.

“King of Lightweight” – Titanium Alloys

Titanium alloys have excellent overall performance. They are known as “space metals” and “marine metals”, and are one of the indispensable materials in high-end manufacturing.

Properties:

• Extremely high strength-to-weight ratio (specific strength): Lighter but stronger than many alloy steels, combining lightweight and high strength.
• Excellent biocompatibility: No rejection of human tissues, with outstanding biocompatibility. Widely used in medical implants.
• Superior corrosion resistance: Resistant to acids, alkalis and rust, and performs stably in seawater, acid and alkali environments.

Typical Applications:

• Aerospace: Engine compressor blades, spacecraft structural parts
• Medical: Human joint implants (e.g., hip joints, knee joints)
• Sports equipment: High-end bicycle frames, racing parts

QD Advantage Tip:

Titanium alloys are highly reactive and difficult to melt. QD is equipped with Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) furnaces, which can effectively prevent oxidation and the introduction of impurities, ensuring the purity and performance of castings.

“Heat Conduction Expert” – Aluminum Alloys

Aluminum alloys are lightweight, have good heat conductivity and excellent workability. They are the first-choice materials in industrial and consumer electronics fields.

Properties:

• Extremely light weight: Low density, only 1/3 the weight of steel.
• Good thermal and electrical conductivity: Suitable for heat dissipation and electromagnetic shielding applications.
• Relatively high specific strength: Can be further improved through alloying and heat treatment.
• Relatively low cost: Lower cost than titanium alloys, with high cost-effectiveness. Suitable for mass production.

Typical Applications:

• Automotive: Engine intake manifolds, turbocharger housings
• Instruments: Instrument and meter brackets
• Electronics: CPU heat sinks, server heat dissipation modules

QD Advantage Tip:

Aluminum alloy melts easily absorb hydrogen, leading to porosity. QD significantly improves the density and mechanical properties of castings through degassing treatment and strict process control.

“Wear-Resistant Champion” – Cobalt-Chromium Alloys

Cobalt-chromium alloys are high-end special alloys. They perform exceptionally well in high-wear, high-corrosion and high-temperature environments.

Properties:

• Extremely high wear resistance: High hardness and excellent wear-resistant performance.
• Superior corrosion and high-temperature resistance: Can withstand temperatures above 800℃ and has strong corrosion resistance.
• Good biocompatibility: Meets biocompatibility standards, suitable for medical scenarios.

Typical Applications:

• Medical: Friction pairs for artificial joints (core components of hip joints and knee joints)
• Aerospace: Turbine engine blades, gas turbine components
• Industrial: Food processing equipment, chemical pump and valve parts

QD Advantage Tip:

Cobalt-chromium alloys have a high melting point and are difficult to cast. QD has high-temperature melting capabilities and precision shell technology, enabling uniform filling of complex structures and accurate reproduction of details.

More Special Alloys: Meeting Extreme Requirements

Besides the mainstream alloys mentioned above, investment casting can also meet material needs under special working conditions:

• High-temperature alloys: Based on nickel and cobalt. They can maintain strength at temperatures above 1000℃, and have oxidation resistance and hot corrosion resistance. They are mainly used in hot-end components of jet engines (such as combustion chambers and turbine blades) and serve as core materials for high-end aerospace equipment.

• Copper alloys: Their electrical conductivity reaches over 85% of pure copper. They have excellent thermal conductivity and a certain level of strength. They are mainly used in special electronic components (such as heat dissipation bases for high-power transistors) and injection mold cavities.

How to Choose the Most Suitable Material for You?

Choosing a material requires comprehensive consideration of the operating environment, performance requirements and cost budget. Below is a simple decision path:

Requirement 1: Ultimate lightweight + high strength + corrosion resistance → Choose titanium alloys (e.g., aerospace structural parts, medical implants)

Requirement 2: Lightweight + fast heat dissipation + cost control → Choose aluminum alloys (e.g., automotive parts, electronic heat sinks)

Requirement 3: High wear resistance + temperature/corrosion resistance + biocompatibility → Choose cobalt-chromium alloys (e.g., artificial joints, industrial wear-resistant parts)

Requirement 4: Stable operation at extremely high temperatures (above 800℃) → Choose high-temperature alloys (e.g., engine hot-end components)

If you still have doubts, QD’s technical team can provide one-on-one material selection and process consultation.

Why Choose QD?

When it comes to investment casting of high-reactivity and high-demand alloys, equipment and processes are the keys to success. QD Foundry has the following core advantages:

• Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) Furnaces: Effectively prevent alloy oxidation and contamination. Especially suitable for titanium alloys and high-temperature alloys.
• Advanced Heat Treatment Equipment: Precisely control the material’s microstructure and improve mechanical properties.
• Strict Quality Control System: Conduct inspections throughout the process, from raw materials to finished products. Ensure every casting meets standards.

We are not just a supplier. We are your partner for material and manufacturing solutions.

Summary

The appeal of investment casting lies in its flexibility to “cast almost anything”. From titanium alloys to aluminum alloys, and from cobalt-chromium alloys to high-temperature alloys, each material plays an irreplaceable role in its specialized field.

With profound technical experience and advanced manufacturing capabilities, QD Foundry helps customers optimize the entire process from material selection to finished product delivery.

FAQ

1. What is the casting accuracy of investment casting?

Dimensional accuracy reaches CT5-CT7 grade (per ISO 8062). Surface roughness is Ra 1.6-6.3μm. This reduces subsequent machining work.

2. How long is the production cycle for titanium alloy castings?

30-50 days for regular parts. The specific cycle adjusts based on structural complexity and order quantity. Rush plans are available.

3. Can aluminum alloy castings be machined afterwards?

Yes. Aluminum alloys have good machinability. Drilling, milling and other machining processes can be performed to meet precise size requirements.

4. Can you provide material composition reports?

Each batch of products is accompanied by a chemical composition test report. This ensures the material meets the customer’s specified standards.

5. Are cobalt-chromium alloy castings for medical use compliant?

The material meets medical-grade standards. Production follows ISO 13485. All castings undergo a full inspection before delivery.

6. Can you customize high-temperature alloy castings with special shapes?

Yes. We provide end-to-end customization services, from drawing analysis and mold design to production.