Detailed
information on every aspect from the pre-historic times to the
sophisticated metals and machining of modern day are being provided
in this website for people to read and thus profit from this
information. Light has also been shed on the future of the industry.
Investment
Casting Investment
casting also called lost-wax casting is one of the oldest known metal
forming process. This industrial process is generally used for small
castings but is also used to build aircraft engines, aircraft door
frames, steel and aluminum castings. Investment casting process is
known to produce complicated shapes that are difficult to make with
die casting. Though this process is a little expensive than die
casting or sand casting process but is useful when it comes to
creating intricate designs and complicated shapes.
This Modern
form of lost wax process was developed during wartimes when it was
found practical for many wartime needs. Later, with the growth of the
civilian aircraft industry in the 1980's investment casting was
largely in demand. Today, powered with modern computer technology,
robotics and modern casting techniques, 15% of the world's industrial
casting is produced by investment casting method.
About
Investment Casting Process A
pattern is made is wax and a wax gating system is separately arranged
for investment casting. The pattern and gating system are assembled
and dipped in a slurry of refractory coating material like tetra
ethyl silicate, ethyl alcohol, hydrochloric acid, silica, magnesia,
etc. The pattern is placed upside down and supported by flask. Now
the molding mixture is poured around the pattern. The mold mixture is
a combination of sand and and materials like alumina cement, ethyl
silicate, etc.
The
mold is placed in a inverted position and heated, which helps the wax
that flow down to be collected for reuse. A specific temperature is
maintained in the mold for pouring of the alloy and for helping
preserve the intricate casting designs. When the wax completely melts
out, the void space is filled with molten metal. Burnout process
helps in removing the wax and gas-forming material formed in the
mold.
Applications
of Investment Casting Jet
propulsion for military and civilian aircrafts gave investment
casting the foremost status in the casting industry. From heavy
casting of 300Kg to small casting of 30 kg, this casting method is
used for as wide for hi-tech industrial applications. This process is
more expensive than sand casting in terms of the casting techniques,
but the equipment are relatively cheaper. But still, investment
casting is largely relied on for complicated designs that cannot be
casted using any other method. Investment casting finds widespread
application in spacecraft, jet engines, etc. Though this industry is
heavily depended on the aircraft industry, it is is find our new
field of application to broaden its horizon.
Advantages
of Using Investment Casting Produces
impossible and intricate designs Less
surface finishing and machining required for the castings Produces
near net shaped as desired by the customer Casting
have excellent dimensional tolerances A
wide range of metals and high performance alloys can be investment
casted.
For
more information on metal casting investment castings, sand casting,
aluminum casting, die casting process, visit:
http://www.industrialmetalcastings.com/
