What is Investment Casting and how Does it Work

Factors To Consider When Choosing An Investment Casting Process

1. Materials Variation: Investment casting can be used for a wide range of materials, including metals like steel, aluminium, and titanium, as well as certain alloys and even some plastics. Different materials may require specific casting techniques or variations to achieve optimal results.
2. Complexity and Precision: Some investment casting processes are better suited for creating intricate or highly precise parts. For example, ceramic shell casting allows for finer details and smoother surface finishes compared to traditional plaster mould casting.
3. Volume and Efficiency: Depending on the production volume required, different casting methods may be more efficient or cost-effective. For high-volume production, processes like shell moulding or continuous casting may be preferred due to their faster cycle times and higher throughput.
4. Part Size and Geometry: Certain casting methods are better suited for specific part sizes or geometries. For example, lost wax casting is versatile and can be used for a wide range of part sizes and shapes, while centrifugal casting is often used for cylindrical or tubular parts.
5. Surface Finish Requirements: Some industries or applications may have strict requirements for surface finish or dimensional accuracy. Different casting processes offer varying levels of control over these factors, allowing manufacturers to choose the most suitable method based on the application's needs.

The Benefits of Choice

We choose to offer customers multiple investment casting processes to deliver several key benefits to our customers:

• Flexibility
  Customers can choose the casting process that best suits their specific requirements, whether it's based on material, complexity, volume, or other factors. This flexibility ensures that unique needs are met effectively.
• Optimised Performance
  Different casting processes offer distinct advantages in terms of surface finish, dimensional accuracy, strength, or other performance metrics. By offering multiple options, our customers can select the process that optimises the performance of their parts.
• Cost-Effectiveness
  Certain casting processes may be more cost-effective for particular applications or production volumes. By having a range of options available, our customers are able to choose the process that offers the best balance of cost and performance.
• Innovation and Customisation
  Offering a variety of casting processes encourages innovation and customisation. Customers can explore new design possibilities, experiment with different materials, or develop unique solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Open Casting

Open investment casting – also known as open mould or open pouring – involves pouring molten metal directly into an open mould. This method of casting is often used for small to medium sized parts with straightforward geometries. Minimal equipment requirements make it a good process for simple parts or test runs.

Roll Over Casting

Roll Over Casting is a variation on open casting, mostly used for the production of cylindrical or tubular parts. In this method, a cylindrical pattern is surrounded by a refractory material to create a mould. The mould is then rotated or 'rolled over' to pour molten metal into the cavity, allowing gravity to fill the mould evenly. Roll over casting is a specialised method best used where uniformity, accuracy and cost-effectiveness are key requirements.

Investment Casting

Investment casting is an industrial process based on lost-wax casting, one of the oldest known metal-forming techniques. The term “lost-wax casting” can also refer to modern investment casting processes.

“Investment casting is an industrial process based on lost-wax casting, one of the oldest known metal-forming techniques. The term “lost-wax casting” can also refer to modern investment casting processes.

Investment casting has been used in various forms for the last 5,000 years. In its earliest forms, beeswax was used to form patterns necessary for the casting process. Today, more advanced waxes, refractory materials and specialist alloys are typically used for making patterns. Investment casting is valued for its ability to produce components with accuracy, repeatability, versatility and integrity in a variety of metals and high-performance alloys.”