Investment Casting

Investment Casting Introduction

Investment casting use an expendable pattern surrounded by an investment compound which is baked so that the investment is hardened to form a mold. The pattern material may be melted or burned off.

To help fill the cavity completely, pressure, vacuum, or centrifugal force may be used.

Possible Investment Casting Shapes

Wide variety 3D parts, may have intricate internal and external features with little or no draft.

Investment Casting Guidelines

• Keep wall thickness uniform to improve quality.
• Fillet sharp corners.
• Ribs reduce distortion caused by thermal contradiction.

Investment Casting Example parts

Jewelry, bushings, levers, automotive, aerospace, medical, appliances, toys and many more.

Investment Casting Advantages

Close dimensional accuracy. Requires little or no draft. No parting line. Good surface finish.

Specifications for Investment Casting

• Material - Almost any metal: aluminum, iron, steel, brass, magnesium.
• Alternative machines - Mill 3-Axis, Casting, Die Pressure
• Tooling - Requires custom tooling - mold.
• Reducing costs - Minimize size and material volume.

Investment Casting Notes

Pattern - approximate duplicate of real part.