What is Investment Casting? from jiachuan's blog

Investment casting is a manufacturing process in which a refractory ceramic material is applied to a wax pattern. Once the ceramic coating material dries and hardens, the wax melts and leaves an internal cavity of the final product geometry. Molten metal is poured into the cavity where the wax pattern sits. The metal solidifies in the ceramic cavity, cools, and the ceramic is removed from the metal casting. The result of this process is a clean to near-clean precision metal component that can be used in a wide variety of applications across a variety of industries.

Why is it called investment casting?

The ancient art and science of investment casting is also known as the lost wax process. Investment casting has been developed over 5,500 years ago, with roots dating back to ancient Egypt and China. Parts manufactured industrially by this process include dental fixtures, gears, cams, ratchets, jewellery, turbine blades, mechanical components, and other parts of complex geometries.

Advantages of precision casting

In the manufacture of precision metal components, investment casting offers many benefits, including:

Mold Design Versatility

Adding Complex Design Capabilities

Provides a smoother surface (125 RMS)

High-precision, repeatable design

Time and cost savings compared to fabrication and machining

Produce various types of products

Various types of metal alloys can be used