Investment Casting Services
We are a leading investment casting manufacturer based in Ningbo, China, a renowned production hub for high-quality casting parts. With years of expertise, we specialize in providing precision investment casting services to global clients. Our commitment to excellence has earned us long-term, trusted relationships with customers worldwide.
What is Investment Casting?
Investment casting, also known as lost wax casting, is a highly precise manufacturing process that involves several key steps: wax pattern creation, wax assembly, ceramic shell building, dewaxing, mold firing, metal pouring, and post-processing.
The process begins with creating a wax pattern of the desired part. This wax pattern is then coated with a ceramic slurry to form a shell. Once the shell hardens, the wax is melted away, leaving a hollow ceramic mold. Molten metal is poured into the mold, and after cooling, the ceramic shell is removed to reveal a high-precision casting.
The parts made by investment castings are accuracy in dimensional and surface quality are better than other casting method. In addition, it can be used for some high complexity, not easy processing casting parts.
ChinaMetalCastings is investment casting supplier in China, we ensure every component meets the highest standards of quality and performance. Whether you need simple or complex parts, our advanced lost wax casting process delivers reliable, cost-effective solutions.
Lost Wax Investment Casting Advantage
There are many advantage for you to choose our investment castings services
Lost Wax Investment Casting Design Advantages
- Lost wax casting provides greater design flexibility
- Lost wax investment castings provides greater detail
- Near net shape
- Greater alloy selection to enhance part performance
- Surface finishes 120 to 150 RMS
- Close tolerances ±.005 inch per inch
- Lost wax investment casting results in weight reduction
Lost Wax Investment Casting Cost Advantages
- Lost wax casting provides near net shape lowers material usage
- Reduce material costs
- Lost wax investment castings reduces expensive machining operations
- Eliminate expensive fabrications and weldments
- Low initial tooling costs
- Economic order quantities ranging from Prototype quantities to Long Production Runs
Investment casting Quality
Quality Control Policy
- CMC is committed to provide high quality components with competitive price. Each part will be strickly machined to the print.
- CMC is committed continually improves the effectiveness of the quality management system (QMS) and sets quality objectives and continuous improvement plans.
- CMC is committed introducing all staff to its quality policy and quality systems,to familiarize themselves with the QMS and strive to continue to improve upon the quality, capability and work environment.
Material Supply
1.To be sure material specification and size correct.
2.To be sure material chemical composition correct, material certification must be provided in each material purchasing lot.
Investment Casting Production Method
At present, the main casting methods are water glass and silica sol. Because the products of silica sol casting are more precise, the surface is more delicate, and it is more in line with environmental protection requirements. Most of all products are produced by silica sol casting.
Only some products with low requirements and low prices are made of water glass
Equipment Maintain
- Machining equipment maintain: Checked by each day, have records to track.
- Inspection equipment maintain: Checked by each 15 days, have records to track.
Process of Investment Casting
The investment casting process is a highly precise and versatile manufacturing method used to produce complex metal parts with exceptional accuracy. Below is a detailed breakdown of the production process for investment castings:
Step 1: Pattern Design
The process begins with the design of a precise pattern, typically created using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. This pattern serves as the blueprint for the final product, ensuring all dimensions and specifications are accurately defined.
Step 2: Pattern Manufacturing
A master pattern is produced from the design, often made from aluminum or steel. This pattern is used to create the molds for wax patterns.
Step 3: Wax Pattern Manufacturing
Wax is injected into the master mold to create a replica of the final part. These wax patterns are exact duplicates of the desired component and are used in the next stages of the process.
Step 4: Assembly of Mold Modules
Multiple wax patterns are attached to a central wax sprue, forming a cluster or “tree.” This assembly allows for the production of multiple parts simultaneously, improving efficiency.
Step 5: Shell Building
The wax tree is repeatedly dipped into a ceramic slurry and coated with fine sand to build a thick, durable shell around the wax patterns. This shell will later serve as the mold for the metal casting.
Step 6: Wax Removal (Dewaxing)
The ceramic-coated wax tree is placed in a high-temperature autoclave or furnace, where the wax is melted and drained away. This leaves a hollow ceramic shell ready for metal pouring.
Step 7: Shell Calcining
The ceramic shell is heated to a high temperature to strengthen it and remove any remaining wax residue. This step ensures the mold can withstand the molten metal’s high temperatures.
Step 8: Metal Pouring
Molten metal is poured into the preheated ceramic mold. The metal fills the cavity left by the wax pattern, taking its exact shape.
Step 9: Cooling and Solidification
The molten metal is allowed to cool and solidify within the ceramic shell. Cooling times vary depending on the metal type and part size.
Step 10: Shell Removal and Cleaning
Once the metal has cooled, the ceramic shell is carefully broken away, revealing the raw metal casting. The casting is then cleaned to remove any remaining shell material.
Step 11: Inspection of Castings
Each casting undergoes rigorous quality control checks, including dimensional inspection, surface finish evaluation, and material testing. This ensures the final product meets the required specifications.
Step 12: Post-Processing and Storage
The castings may undergo additional processes such as heat treatment, machining, or surface finishing to achieve the desired properties and appearance. Finished parts are then carefully stored or prepared for shipment.
Packing and Assembly
To meet custom requirements, the castings are packed according to client specifications. This may include labeling, carton packaging, palletizing, or other protective measures to ensure safe delivery.
As a trusted investment casting manufacturer, we specialize in delivering high-quality, custom solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and more. Contact us today to learn how our investment casting services can meet your specific needs!