Investment Casting
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 shapes
Wide variety 3D parts, may have intricate internal and external features
with little or no draft.
Casting, Investment Guidelines
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Example parts
Jewelry, bushings, levers, automotive,
aerospace, medical, appliances, toys and
many more.
Advantages of Casting, Investment
Close dimensional accuracy. Requires little or no draft. No parting line.
Good surface finish.
Specifications for Casting, Investment
 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.
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Notes
 Pattern
- approximate duplicate of real part.
Processes: Turning
Milling
Laser Cutting
Water Jet Cutting
Wire EDM
Tapping
Bending
Turret Punching
Fine Blanking
Blanking
Steel Rule Die Cutting
Drawing
Injection Molding
Extrusion
Metal Casting
Thermoforming
Forging
Springs
Wire forming
Powder Coating
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