Investment Casting
Home > Capabilities > Investment Casting
What is Investment Casting?
Investment casting, also known as lost-wax casting, is a manufacturing process where molten metal is poured into a mold created from a wax pattern. Once the wax is melted away, the mold is used to shape intricate metal components with high precision. This method allows manufacturers to produce complex shapes that would otherwise be difficult or expensive to create with traditional methods.
Investment Casting Process
The investment casting process consists of several carefully executed steps:
A wax model is made, replicating the exact shape of the final product.
The wax model is dipped in a ceramic slurry, which hardens to form a shell around the wax.
The mold is heated, melting the wax and leaving a hollow ceramic shell.
Molten metal is poured into the ceramic shell, filling the cavity left by the wax.
Once the metal cools, the ceramic shell is broken away, and the casting is cleaned and finished as needed.
Investment Casting Capabilities
- Casting Tolerances: VDG P690 D1-D2, ISO8062-3-2007 DCTG4-6, GCTG4-6
- Casting Weight Range: From 0.1 kg to 85 kg .
- Maximum Part Dimensions: Up to 1,000 mm (39.37 inches) in length, depending on the design complexity.
- Common Materials：Stainless Steel (e.g., 304, 316)、Carbon Steel、Alloy Steel、Aluminum、Brass、Bronze、Titanium and Nickel alloys.
- Industries Served: Aerospace、Automotive、Medical Devices、Oil and Gas、Power Generation、Industrial Machinery and Defense and Military.
Advantages of Investment Casting
Investment casting offers several benefits, making it an excellent choice for precision manufacturing:
- Complex Geometry: This process allows for intricate and detailed shapes that are difficult to achieve with other casting methods.
- High-Quality Surface Finish: The smooth ceramic mold results in minimal finishing work and a high-quality surface.
- Material Versatility: Investment casting can be used with a wide range of metals, including steel, aluminum, and titanium.
- Reduced Waste: With near-net-shape casting, there is less material waste, leading to cost savings.
These advantages make investment casting a preferred method for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.
Why Choose M.P.M. for Investment Casting?
At M.P.M., we provide a complete one-stop solution for all your investment casting needs. Here’s why clients choose us:
With years of expertise, our skilled team ensures precision and quality at every step of the process.
We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to deliver consistent, high-quality results.
From design to final product, we handle everything, including material selection, tooling, and assembly.
At M.P.M., we focus on understanding your unique requirements and providing tailored solutions.
Our investment casting services guarantee both high precision and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that your projects are completed on time and within budget.
FAQ
What materials can be used in investment casting?
A variety of metals can be used, including stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and nickel-based alloys.
What industries benefit from investment casting?
Aerospace, automotive, medical, and industrial equipment are some of the major industries that rely on investment casting for high-quality components.
What is the typical lead time for an investment casting project?
Lead times can vary depending on the complexity of the part, but M.P.M. strives to deliver within 4-6 weeks.
How does investment casting compare to other casting methods?
Investment casting is ideal for producing complex, high-precision parts with minimal finishing, unlike sand casting or die casting, which may require more post-processing.