QD is proficient in both investment casting and die casting. We are a leading domestic foundry and can provide customized casting solutions. Strict quality control throughout the process.
Characteristics of Investment Casting and Die Casting
Investment casting is a process in which a wax pattern is formed, coated with a refractory material, and then melted away to harden. The wax pattern is then poured into the mold.
It has the following advantages:
- Suitable for complex casting shapes. No complex post-processing is required.
- Excellent surface finish. Reduced polishing steps.
- Wide material compatibility. A wide range of metals can be molded.
QD allows for precise control of wax pattern accuracy and mold shell strength.
Die casting is a process in which molten metal is forced into a mold cavity at high speed, where it is rapidly cooled and formed.
It has the following advantages:
- High production efficiency. Fast single-piece molding.
- Suitable for mass production. Long mold life.
- Castings offer excellent dimensional stability and high consistency.
QD is equipped with fully automated die-casting equipment, ensuring efficiency and dimensional accuracy during mass production.
Comparison of Similarities and Differences Between the Two Processes
| Similarities | Details |
| Nature of the Process | Both are metal hot – forming processes. Parts are formed through molds. They are common processing methods for industrial parts |
| Core Objective | Process metal raw materials into parts with specific structures. Meet the assembly and service performance requirements |
| Quality Control | Key parameters such as temperature and pressure need to be controlled during the production process. Stability can be guaranteed through full – process parameter monitoring |
| Differences | Investment Casting | Die Casting |
| Mold Type | Mostly one – time or semi – permanent ceramic shells. QD optimizes the ceramic shell process to improve durability | Metal molds. Reusable. QD uses high – strength mold steel to extend service life |
| Production Efficiency | Long single – piece production cycle. Suitable for small batches. Can shorten the small – batch cycle through process optimization | Fast production rhythm. Suitable for large batches |
| Shape Adaptability | Good at complex structures such as complex inner cavities and thin walls. QD can handle thin – wall structures below 0.5mm | More suitable for parts with relatively regular structures. QD is good at high – precision forming of symmetrical structures |
| Material Range | Can be used for superalloys, stainless steel and other materials | Commonly used for low – melting – point metals such as aluminum alloys and zinc alloys |
QD can provide technical solutions and production support that match the characteristics of the two processes.
Application and Requirements of Casting Process
Applications of investment casting：
- Precision Mechanical Parts: Suitable for high-precision fittings
- Aerospace Components: Meet the needs of special shapes and thin-walled structures. QD has served numerous aerospace companies.
- Complex Structural Parts: Such as multi-cavity valve bodies.
- Specially Shaped Connectors: Such as asymmetrical structural parts.
Applications of die casting：
- Automotive Parts: Suitable for high-volume production of structural parts. QD provides stable supply to renowned automakers.
- Home Appliance Structural Parts: Such as motor housings.
- Electronic Communications Housings: Suitable for lightweight and thin structures.
- Bathroom Hardware: Suitable for mass-produced standardized parts.
Investment casting process requirements
- Complex cavity design requirements: including internal cavities, inclined holes, and other structures.
- Small-batch, high-variety production requirements: flexible batch switching.
- Molding requirements for special materials: such as high-temperature alloys and high-hardness metals.
QD mold precision control reaches ±0.05mm. Meet your precise needs.
Die casting process requirements
- High-volume, stable production requirements: Single batches of over 1,000 pieces.
- Relatively regular parts requirements: No complex internal cavities.
- Short-term delivery requirements: Ability to quickly respond to market orders.
QD mold clamping accuracy reaches ±0.02mm, ensuring batch consistency.
QD Selection Recommendations
Batch Size
For small batches (100-500 pieces), investment casting is more economical.
For large batches (1,000 pieces or more) with long-term production, die casting offers lower costs. QD automated production lines ensure stable mass production and cost advantages.
Part Complexity
For complex structures with internal cavities, inclined holes, and asymmetry, investment casting is preferred. QD molding technology allows for precise reproduction of complex structural details.
For flat, symmetrical, and regular structures without deep cavities, die casting is more efficient.
Material Type
For special metals such as stainless steel, high-temperature alloys, and titanium alloys, choose investment casting.
For low-melting-point metals such as aluminum alloys and zinc alloys, die casting is more suitable.
Delivery Time
For urgent bulk orders (delivery within 2 weeks), die casting is preferred. QD offers molds in common specifications to shorten mold opening cycles.
For complex structural parts, investment casting is preferred. QD provides accurate investment casting cycle estimates and progress tracking.
Cooperation with QD Casting
If you require investment casting or die casting services, please contact QD. We will recommend a suitable process solution based on part characteristics, batch size, and material requirements. Our expertise will help you reduce costs and increase efficiency.
FAQ
1. Is investment casting suitable for complex parts?
Yes. It can precisely mold complex cavities and special shapes.
2. Is die casting suitable for small-batch production?
It’s more suitable for large-scale production. Small-batch mold costs are higher.
3. Can both processes produce aluminum alloy parts?
Both are possible. Die casting is more efficient for mass production of aluminum alloys. QD aluminum alloy die casting has sufficient production capacity.
4. Does the investment casting surface require further processing?
The surface finish is excellent. Complex post-processing is often unnecessary. QD can control surface accuracy as needed.
5. Do die casting molds have a long lifespan?
Metal molds have a long lifespan and are suitable for long-term mass production.