| PROSNA, INC. GLOBAL SOURCING | |
| We specialize in the global sourcing of custom manufactured metal parts | |
| INVESTMENT CASTING PROCESS |
| Die Castings | Investment Castings | Sand Castings |
| Casting Process Comparison Chart | ||
| Home | About Us | Forging | Metal Stamping | CNC Machining | Contact Us |
| Low Cost - High Quality Investment Castings in Steel, Stainless Steel, and Hi-Temp Alloys |
 |
INVESTMENT CASTING PROCESS Investment Castings can be made in most steels and alloys, using the Lost Wax process (sometimes referred to as precision casting) to produce intricate and metallurgical accurate castings with very tight tolerances (0.005"). This method is used to mass produce parts with near net shape, dimensions, and a high quality "as cast" finish (RMS 60 to 200), thereby producing a visually attractive finish and reduced machining cost. In this process, an expendable pattern is made, normally by injecting wax or plastic into a metal mold. This pattern is then coated by either pouring or dipping with a refractory slurry (watery paste of silca and a binder) that will set at ambient temperature to produce a mold or shell. After hardrening, the shell is turned upside down and the expendable (wax or plastic) pattern is melted out of the shell. To complete this refactory shell, ceramic cores may be inserted. Investment castings can be made in almost any pourable metal or alloy. Because of the labor intensive steps involved, the investment casting process costs more than other methods, but the more complex the parts the more economical it is to use, because of the reduced need for secondary machining and finishing. In many cases investment castings will be used "as cast" or with miminal clean up & machining. This process is normally used for parts between one ounce to 10 Lbs, however, heavier parts are frequently made. |
Precision Investment Castings Lost Wax Castings Steel Investment Castings Stainless Steel Castings |
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Complex Shapes
Possible Thin Wall Sections Possible High Production Rates High Dimensional Accuracy Surface Finish RSM 60-200 Mimimum Surface Treatment Prior to Plating Many parts can be used as Cast |
Castings Generally
Limited to 10 Lbs or Less Expensive Machinery & Dies Expensive Unit Cost, Labor Intensive |
| SECONDARY
OPERATIONS Conventional or Precision CNC Machining Heat Treating Surface Finishing - Etching, Vibration, Grinding, and Polishing Plating - Anodizing - Painting - Powder Coating Certified Metallurgical and Non-Destructive Testing |
| Tel 219-924-1252 | PROSNA, INC. | www.prosna.com |
| Fax 219-924-1260 | 530 Superior Avenue | info@prosna.com |
| Munster, Indiana 46321 USA | ||
| © Prosna,
Inc. 2007 Site Map |