Casting 101Modern investment casting is an industrial process based off of lost-wax casting, one of the oldest known metal forming techniques.Watch the following video to learn more about our investment casting process. FAQWhat is an "Investment Casting"?Investment casting is a process in which a wax cluster is covered in a ceramic slurry. Once hardened the wax is melted out of the ceramic shell. The shell is then heated to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and molten metal is poured in. After cooling, the ceramic is then vibrated and blasted off the metal products. The products are then cut, cleaned and prepared for shipping.
What alloys can be poured as an investment casting?As a general rule all ferrous and non-ferrous materials can be investment castings. Carbon, tool and alloy steel along with the 300, 400, 15-5ph and 17-4ph stainless steels are most commonly poured. What size range of parts can investment casting produce?Investment castings can range from a fraction of an ounce to over 1,000 pounds. Most investment casting foundries only cast parts up to 20lbs. RLM can cast parts up to 250lbs. What is the tolerance range of parts that investment casting can produce?Typically, a linear tolerance of +/- .005 in/in is standard for investment casting. What kind of quality can I expect in the surface finish?The ceramic shell is built around a smooth wax pattern, the finish achieved by investment casting is excellent. A 125 micro-finish is standard and even finer finishes can be achieved. Isn't investment casting expensive?It is true that investment castings are usually more expensive than forged parts or those produced by other casting methods. Investment casting, however, makes up for this added cost by reducing the amount of machining and other secondary costs involved with other processes. What about the integrity of investment casting?Investment castings are used widely in applications that require parts to be x-rayed and meet definite soundness criteria. The integrity of investment casting can be far superior to parts produced by other methods. What are the lead times I can expect when ordering investment castings?Typically, 6 weeks for commercial grade and 8 weeks for ordnance. Deliveries can be negotiated and changed for the customers with special requirements For more information about investment casting, please contact us. Or feel free to request a quote. |
Short Lead Times
Forget waiting months to launch a new product. At RLM Industries, we can have your product delivered in as few as 6 weeks.
Quality Systems
Investment casting may be a 5,000 year old process, but it doesn't mean we still use the same tools. At RLM, we operate state-of-the-art machinery ensuring the highest quality production possible, with ISO 9001:2008 certification.
On-Time Delivery
At RLM, Our goal is 100 percent on-time delivery. We work with you to guarantee projects move along from design to delivery as fast as possible.
Rapid Prototyping
Our 8-step rapid prototyping process means that you can go from solid model to prototype in as few as 5 business days. Our method uses the latest technology in 3D modeling and precision prototype casting processes.
Customer Service
Customer service is the most important aspect of our business. We believe that a customer is a person who brings us their needs, and that it's our job to address them properly to ensure that everyone benefits.
Cost
Investment casting may seem more expensive than other forging methods, but it also requires less secondary machining. RLM focuses on creating quality products, and can turn multiple piece projects into single piece projects. We think outside the box to create smarter and more efficient castings.
