Investment casting, a time-tested manufacturing technique also known as lost wax casting, is a highly precise process used by investment casting manufacturers to create complex metal components with minimal finishing.

Our investment casting foundry in China employs the latest technology to produce top-quality investment castings in a wide range of dimensions, shapes, and material specifications.

With every stage of production meticulously managed, our investment casting factory guarantees superior quality and competitive pricing.

Why Investment Casting?

Investment casting stands out due to its ability to produce intricate and dimensionally accurate parts with excellent surface finishes.

From aerospace and automotive to medical and industrial sectors, this process provides versatile solutions across industries.

Investment castings eliminate the need for extensive machining, as castings can achieve tight tolerances and complex geometries that are difficult to replicate through other methods.

The result is cost-effective, high-quality parts, often crafted from stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, or other alloys.

Step-by-Step Investment Casting Process

1. Tooling Creation

The first step in investment casting is tooling creation. Tooling, or pattern-making, is vital for precision.

Each tool is CNC-machined to ensure exact dimensions, laying the foundation for the final product’s quality.

A one-time tooling cost is charged for new products, but this cost is eliminated for repeat orders, making investment casting an economical choice for mass production.

2. Wax Injection and Pattern Assembly

The tooling is used to inject wax, creating a wax pattern that is an exact replica of the desired casting.

Multiple wax patterns are created, then carefully assembled onto a sprue, and allowed to dry at room temperature.

This stage in the investment casting process is critical to achieving high accuracy in the final product.

3. Shell Coating

The wax pattern assembly is coated with a ceramic shell by dipping it in a ceramic slurry, followed by a layer of refractory material.

This process is repeated several times to build up the required shell thickness and strength.

The shell is dried in a controlled environment, forming a robust mold for the molten metal.

4. Dewaxing

In the dewaxing stage, the ceramic shell is placed in a steam autoclave, where it is rapidly heated.

This high temperature melts the wax, which exits through the sprue, leaving behind an empty ceramic mold.

To prepare the mold for metal casting, the shell is heated to between 1600-2000°F, eliminating any remaining traces of wax.

This step is essential for creating a smooth casting surface and is why investment casting is often referred to as “lost wax casting.”

5. Metal Pouring

The core step in investment casting, pouring molten metal into the mold, is handled with care to avoid air entrapment and to ensure uniformity.

Our investment casting factory works with various metals, such as steel, aluminum, and other alloys, all melted and poured to create the casting.

The mold is allowed to cool, giving the metal its final form.

6. Shell Removal and Cleanup

Once the metal cools and solidifies, the ceramic shell is broken away to reveal the casting.

Excess metal from the sprue and gates is ground off, leaving behind a clean casting that closely matches the desired shape and dimensions.

7. Heat Treatment

Heat treatment enhances the casting’s mechanical properties.

Depending on the application requirements, our foundry offers several heat treatments, including normalizing, tempering, hardening, and carburizing.

These processes improve strength, hardness, and overall durability.

Any additional costs associated with heat treatment are communicated upfront.

8. Shot Blasting

To achieve a smooth, even finish, castings undergo shot blasting, where tiny steel balls remove any remaining scale or surface imperfections.

This final surface treatment provides the casting with a refined look and prepares it for further finishing.

9. Anti-Rust Coating and Surface Treatments

After shot blasting, castings are coated with an anti-rust solution to prevent oxidation.

Additional surface treatments, such as galvanizing or paint spraying, can be applied based on customer requirements.

10. Quality Control and Inspection

At each stage of the investment casting process, quality control measures are in place to ensure the product meets the exact specifications.

Our QC team performs dimensional checks, surface inspections, and tests for any internal defects.

Only after thorough inspection and approval do we proceed with the shipment.

11. Packaging and Delivery

Investment castings are packaged securely in poly bags, cartons, and standard wooden cases to ensure safe delivery.

Custom packaging is also available upon request to meet specific customer requirements.

Benefits of Partnering with an Investment Casting Foundry

Our investment casting foundry provides a seamless production experience, from tooling design to final packaging.

With a strong focus on quality and cost-effective production, we offer investment casting prices that remain competitive without compromising on quality.

This comprehensive approach ensures that our clients receive castings that meet their precise needs, whether for prototypes or high-volume production.

By using advanced equipment, skilled craftsmanship, and strict quality standards, our investment casting factory delivers reliable, top-tier investment castings for diverse applications worldwide.