Understanding Investment Casting (Lost Wax Casting) in Modern Industry

Investment casting, also known as lost wax casting, is an advanced near-net-shape or no-cutting precision casting process. It uses materials like wax and stearic acid to create patterns, which are coated with refractory materials to form a ceramic shell. After the wax is melted out, molten metal is poured into the mold to create high-precision metal castings with excellent surface finish. This method significantly reduces machining, saves material, and improves production efficiency, making it widely used in modern industries.

Modern investment casting evolved from traditional lost wax casting. Although there are differences in wax materials, molds, refractory coatings, and processing techniques, the fundamental principle remains the same. Key advantages include smooth casting surfaces, high dimensional accuracy, minimal or no machining, ability to cast complex shapes, and suitability for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. However, investment casting also faces challenges such as multiple production steps, long lead times, difficult recycling of shell materials, and high manufacturing costs.

To reduce costs, improve energy efficiency, and boost profitability, continuous process optimization and lean manufacturing are essential for the investment casting industry.