What Is Investment Casting?
Investment casting, also known as lost wax casting, is a precision metal casting process used to manufacture complex components with excellent dimensional accuracy and surface finish. The process uses a wax pattern to create a ceramic shell, which is then heated to remove the wax before molten metal is poured into the mold.
At Lantian Steel Casting, we use investment casting to manufacture custom stainless steel, carbon steel and low alloy steel components according to customer drawings, samples and technical requirements. Our castings are used in valves, pumps, automotive components, oil & gas equipment and industrial machinery.
Investment Casting Process Step by Step
1. Mold Design and Tooling
The investment casting process begins with the development of the wax injection mold. Based on the customer’s drawing or sample, our engineering team reviews the part geometry, casting requirements and machining allowances before the tooling is manufactured.
2. Wax Pattern Production
Molten wax is injected into the tooling to produce an accurate wax pattern that replicates the final casting. Each pattern is inspected and repaired when necessary before assembly.
3. Wax Pattern Assembly
Individual wax patterns are assembled onto a central wax runner system to form a casting tree. The assembly is designed to ensure efficient metal flow and stable production.
4. Shell Building
- Silica Sol Shell Investment Casting
- Water Glass Shell Investment Casting
- Compound Shell Lost Investment Casting
Silica Sol Investment Casting
- higher dimensional accuracy
- better surface finish
- complex geometries
- stainless steel components
- precision applications
Water Glass Investment Casting
- cost-effective
- suitable for certain production requirements
- steel castings
- industrial components
Compound Shell Investment Casting
- combination of process characteristics
- balance between quality and production efficiency
- suitable applications
5. Dewaxing
The ceramic shell is heated to remove the wax pattern, leaving a hollow cavity that accurately reproduces the required component geometry.
6. Shell Firing
The ceramic shell is fired at high temperature to strengthen the mold and prepare it for molten metal pouring.
7. Melting and Pouring
The selected steel alloy is melted according to the specified material requirements. The molten metal is then poured into the preheated ceramic shell to form the casting.
8. Cooling and Shell Removal
After solidification, the ceramic shell is removed mechanically to expose the metal casting.
9. Cutting, Cleaning and Finishing
Castings are separated from the runner system and undergo processes such as cutting, grinding, shot blasting or other surface finishing operations according to customer requirements.
10. Heat Treatment, Machining and Inspection
Depending on the material and application, castings may undergo heat treatment, CNC machining and additional finishing processes.
Advantages of Investment Casting
Complex Geometries
Investment casting can produce complex shapes, thin sections and detailed features that may be difficult to manufacture using conventional machining or other casting methods.
Good Surface Finish
The ceramic shell can provide a relatively smooth casting surface, reducing subsequent finishing and machining requirements.
Dimensional Accuracy
Investment casting is suitable for precision components where dimensional control and repeatability are important.
Near-Net-Shape Manufacturing
The process can reduce the amount of material removed during machining, especially for complex components.
Wide Material Selection
Lantian Steel Casting produces investment castings in:
- Stainless Steel
- Carbon Steel
- Low Alloy Steel
Investment Casting Materials
Stainless Steel Investment Castings
For components requiring corrosion resistance and reliable mechanical performance.
Carbon Steel Investment Castings
For industrial components requiring strength, durability and cost efficiency.
Low Alloy Steel Investment Castings
For applications requiring specific mechanical properties and enhanced performance.
Investment Casting Applications
Valve Castings
- Valve Body
- Valve Bonnet
- Valve Disc
- Valve Seat
- Other custom valve components
Valve Castings
- Valve Body
- Valve Bonnet
- Valve Disc
- Valve Seat
- Other custom valve components
Oil & Gas Castings
- Valve Components
- Pump Components
- Equipment Components
Automotive Castings
- Brake Components
- Structural / Functional Components
- Other Custom Automotive Castings
Machinery Castings
Versatile Machinery Castings
