Investment Casting (Lost Wax Casting)

Lost wax casting is a high-precision casting technique.

Its core process involves creating a mold of the part using wax, then covering the wax mold with ceramic or other refractory materials. Once the refractory material hardens, the wax is melted and drained, leaving a hollow shell. Molten metal is then poured into the shell to form the final casting.

Materials include

Stainless steel: Used to produce parts requiring corrosion resistance and high strength.
Aluminum alloy: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, suitable for precision and lightweight applications.
Copper alloys: Such as bronze and brass, used for artwork or wear-resistant parts.

Advantages:

High precision: Lost wax casting can produce extremely complex parts with high dimensional accuracy and a smooth surface finish.
High flexibility: Almost any metal can be cast, especially alloys that are difficult to machine.
Complex parts in one molding: Suitable for producing intricate and detailed structures, reducing the need for post-processing.
Smoother surface than gravity casting: Generally requires less post-treatment.

Disadvantages

High production cost: The process is complex, especially in making refractory molds and the wax removal process, leading to higher costs.
Slow production speed: Each step takes time, particularly the mold-making and drying process, making it more suitable for small batches or high-value parts.
Molds are prone to damage: Wax molds are relatively fragile and can be easily damaged during handling.
Size limitations: It is more suitable for small or medium-sized parts, as producing larger items increases difficulty and cost.

Applications

Aerospace industry: Used to manufacture high-performance parts such as turbine blades and aircraft engine components.
Automotive industry: Used for making engine parts, turbocharger blades, gears, and other critical components.
Medical equipment: Used to produce precision medical instruments.
Art and jewelry: Lost wax casting is used to create intricate sculptures, ornaments, and jewelry.
Industrial machinery: Used to manufacture various high-temperature and corrosion-resistant mechanical parts.