Investment Casting
In the investment casting process, a pattern made of wax or polymer is submerged into a metal slurry. The metal hardens, and the process is repeated multiple times in order to increase the coating thickness and strength of the product. Once the coating is hardened, the wax will be melted and molten metal will be poured into the hollow cavity which was created by the wax. After this solidification, the casting is broken from the mould.
Investment casting is also known as lost wax casting and is capable of making highly accurate components with intricate details, which might not be possible in the sand casting process.
Advantages of Investment Casting
- Components having intricate features can be cast as a single piece.
- Dimensional Accuracy and surface finish is excellent.
- The wax can be reused.
- A variety of materials can be cast in IC process including aluminium and non-ferrous alloys also.