The lost wax investment casting process... |
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1. Wax injection
A precision made aluminium die is injected with molten wax. This die incorporates contraction allowances for both the wax and metal. |
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2. Pattern removal
Once set the wax is removed from the die producing a replica of the finished part. This is called a pattern. |
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3. Pattern assembly
Quantities of these patterns are joined to a pattern assembly using a hot soldering iron. The assembly holds the individual patterns in place for the remainder of the process. |
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4. Ceramic investment
The assembly is dipped into a ceramic based slurry, drained of any surplus liquid, covered in a dry ceramic stucco and left to dry. This operation is repeated a number of times until the required shell thickness is obtained. |
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5. De-waxing
The ceramic mould is placed in a high temperature oven to melt the wax from the mould. |
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6. Mould sintering
The oven also bakes the ceramic shell so that it is strong enough to withstand the molten metal being poured into it.
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7. Metal pouring
Metal ingots are heated in an induction furnace to the correct temperature. Once this is obtained the red hot mould is removed from the oven and the molten metal is poured into the ceramic shell. |
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8. Ceramic removal
After cooling the ceramic is then vibrated from the castings and runner system. |
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9. Finished product
Finally, the castings are separated from the runner system by means of an abrasive cutting wheel and then finished by means of linishing, grinding and blasting prior to inspection and despatch to the customer. |
