Investment casting, also known as lost wax casting. It’s a precision casting process that replicates the shape of a part by creating a wax model. After the part is molded into a refractory shell and dewaxed, molten metal is injected into the part. This process enables high-precision molding of complex structures. QD has many years of experience in investment casting and is an expert in lost wax casting.
Investment casting process
- Wax Pattern Making: High-precision wax models are created based on the part’s shape, ensuring every detail is perfectly reproduced.
- Tree Assembly: Multiple wax patterns are sequentially welded to a sprue rod to form a “wax tree,” improving production efficiency.
- Mold Shell Preparation: The wax tree is coated with multiple layers of refractory material and dried to form a solid shell, providing a stable cavity for subsequent casting.
- Dewaxing: The mold shell is heated to high temperatures, causing the wax pattern to melt and flow out, leaving a hollow cavity that conforms to the part’s shape.
- Metal Pouring: Molten metal is poured into the mold cavity according to process requirements. After cooling, the casting is formed.
- Cleaning and Finishing: After removing the mold shell, the casting undergoes sprue cutting and surface polishing to enhance the finished product’s quality.
Application of investment casting process
Automotive Industry
Used in precision engine components and transmission connectors. Meeting the high-strength, low-loss requirements of automotive operation.
Aerospace
Suitable for aircraft turbine blades and fuel system components. Handling extreme operating conditions such as high temperature and high pressure.
Medical Devices
Used in the production of precision joints for surgical instruments and implant components. Ensuring safety and stability.
Machinery Manufacturing
Producing core components such as complex gears and valve cores. Improving the operating accuracy of mechanical equipment.
Comparison between investment casting and die casting
| Process Type | Characteristics | Advantages | Application Scenarios |
| Investment Casting | Uses wax patterns and refractory shells; suitable for complex geometries | Capable of forming complex internal cavities and irregular shapes; good surface finish | High-precision, complex-shaped small to medium parts |
| Die Casting | High-pressure injection of molten metal into a mold; suitable for thin-walled parts | High production efficiency; suitable for high-volume, simple structural components | Aluminum/zinc alloy thin-walled small parts |
Investment casting has advantages in complex structure molding and detail reproduction. It is particularly suitable for the production of parts with high requirements for precision and shape complexity.
QD’s Advantages in Investment Casting
QD has its own production base, equipped with specialized production lines. We independently control the entire process, from wax pattern creation to finished product finishing, ensuring process stability. Years of industry experience enable QD to precisely match the casting needs of different materials, offering solutions for stainless steel, alloy steel, and aluminum alloys. Furthermore, QD prioritizes quality control throughout the entire process, from raw material selection to finished product testing, ensuring reliable casting quality.
Partner with QD Suppliers
Working with QD on investment casting projects offers comprehensive support, from requirement negotiation to after-sales support. Our dedicated team provides process recommendations tailored to your part requirements. Our in-house factory ensures consistent production cycles and quality. Having served numerous companies across various industries, QD possesses a deep understanding of the casting needs of diverse sectors. This ensures worry-free and reliable partnerships for your precision casting purchases.
FAQ
1. Is investment casting suitable for complex parts?
Yes. Investment casting uses wax patterns to precisely replicate details, making it easy to form complex parts with cavities and unusual shapes. This reduces the number of subsequent processing steps.
2. What metal materials can be used for investment casting?
It has a wide range of applications. Common metal materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, and copper alloys can all be produced through investment casting.
3. Is investment casting suitable for small-batch production?
Yes. Investment casting offers high flexibility in batch size. Ensuring stable delivery for both small trial runs and medium-volume production. Without the need to worry about minimum order quantity restrictions.
4. What’s the difference between investment casting and conventional sand casting?
The core differences lie in precision and complexity. Investment casting offers higher precision and can produce more complex parts, while sand casting is more suitable for large castings with simple structures.
5. What information do I need to partner with an investment casting manufacturer?
Only need to provide basic information, such as part drawings (or a clear structural description), material requirements, and the intended use environment. The manufacturer will then develop a casting plan based on this information.