Sand casting often produces castings with poor dimensional accuracy, surface finish, material density, metallographic structure, and mechanical properties. When higher requirements for these properties are needed, other casting methods should be adopted, such as investment (lost-wax) casting, die casting, low-pressure casting, etc. The following is an introduction by our editorial team:
- I. Characteristics and advantages of precision casting:
Precision casting, also known as investment casting, has the following characteristics compared to other casting methods and part forming methods:
1. High dimensional accuracy and fine surface roughness of castings. The dimensional accuracy can reach grades 4-6, and the surface roughness can reach 0.4-3.2μm, which can greatly reduce machining allowances and enable zero-allowance manufacturing, reducing production costs.
2. Castings with complex shapes that are difficult to machine by other methods can be produced. The profile dimensions range from a few millimeters to over a thousand millimeters, with minimum wall thickness of 0.5mm and minimum hole diameter below 1.0mm.
3. No limitations on alloy materials: carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, as well as high-temperature alloys, titanium alloys, and precious metals can all be used. It is especially suitable for alloy materials that are difficult to forge, weld, or machine.
4. High production flexibility and adaptability. It can be used for both mass production and small-batch or even single-piece production.
In summary, precision casting has the advantages of small investment scale, large production capacity, low production cost, simplified complex product processes, and quick return on investment, placing it in a favorable position in competition with other processes and production methods, with bright prospects.