In the vast field of modern industrial manufacturing, lost wax casting has brought innovation and breakthroughs to many industries with its unparalleled precision and unique process principles.
Definition of Lost Wax Casting
Lost wax casting, also known as investment casting, is based on the principle of first using wax material to make a wax mold with the same shape and size as the required casting, then coating the surface of the wax mold with multiple layers of refractory materials, and after it hardens and dries, the wax mold is melted and discharged to form a cavity mold with the same shape as the wax mold, and finally liquid metal is poured into the mold. After the metal cools and solidifies, the refractory shell is removed to obtain a precise casting.
Advantages and characteristics of lost wax casting
Extremely high dimensional accuracy
Lost wax casting can produce castings with extremely high dimensional accuracy, and the tolerance range can be controlled to a very small value.
Excellent surface quality
Castings produced by this process have a smooth surface and low roughness, which can meet application scenarios with demanding surface quality requirements.
Complex shape casting capability
For parts with complex internal structures, fine details and thin-walled features, lost wax casting can easily cope with them. Such as engine parts with inner cavities, exquisitely shaped jewelry, etc.
Wide material adaptability
It can be used for almost all metal materials, including various alloy steels, stainless steels, copper alloys, aluminum alloys and some rare metals, etc., which provides possibilities for the diversified demands of different industries for material properties.
Types of lost wax casting
Water glass shell lost wax casting
Using water glass as a binder, multiple layers of refractory materials are coated on the surface of the wax mold, and the casting is made through hardening, dewaxing and other processes.
Silica sol shell lost wax casting
Using silica sol as a binder, the shell made by it has high strength and good dimensional stability, and can produce castings with higher precision and better surface quality.
Composite shell lost wax casting
Combining the advantages of water glass and silica sol, the inner layer of the shell is first made of relatively low-priced water glass, and then the outer layer is made of silica sol.
Application fields of lost wax casting
Aerospace
Key parts of aircraft engines such as blades, impellers, and casings are the preferred process due to their complex shapes and extremely high requirements for material properties and dimensional accuracy.
Medical devices
Medical devices such as artificial joints and dental implants need to fit well with human tissues. Lost wax casting can accurately control the size and surface quality of castings.
Jewelry
Whether it is a gorgeous and complex necklace pendant or a delicate and small earring ring, it can be cast into a lifelike shape through this process, enhancing the artistic value and commercial value of jewelry.
Some parts of automobile engines, such as cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, etc., as well as automobile decorative parts, can be cast using lost wax casting to improve the accuracy and performance of parts, while achieving lightweight design, reducing automobile energy consumption, and improving fuel economy.
As an excellent precision casting process, lost wax casting occupies an indispensable position in modern manufacturing. If you are interested in lost wax casting technology and related products, welcome to visit Xuanmin's factory. We have advanced production equipment, professional technical team and rich industry experience. We can show you the whole process of lost wax casting in detail, answer your questions, and provide customized solutions according to your needs.
