Investment casting, also known as lost-wax casting, is a specialized manufacturing process used to create complex metal parts and components. As demand grows for lighter and more durable investment castings across industries like aerospace, medical, and automotive, many companies require a local investment casting supplier that can provide high-quality castings, a quick turnaround time, and competitive pricing. This article provides a guide to finding the best investment casting companies near you in 2020, including key factors like capabilities, materials, certifications, and customer service when choosing a supplier.
Look for broad design and production capabilities
The top investment casting suppliers offer a comprehensive range of design, tooling, and manufacturing services to produce high-quality castings. Look for a company that has in-house capabilities for wax pattern design, ceramic shell building, casting, finishing, and inspection. This ensures they have control over the entire production process resulting in more consistent quality. The best suppliers can work with customers on concept design, convert CAD models into wax patterns, cast a wide range of alloys like stainless steel, aluminum and super alloys, and provide secondary CNC machining and finishing services.
Seek specialty materials expertise
A premier investment casting company has expertise in specialized materials beyond the common casting alloys. For instance, they may offer titanium or nickel-based superalloys which are difficult to manufacture but in high demand for critical aerospace and medical applications. Look for demonstrated experience in exotic alloys and certified material suppliers. They should understand the special handling and procedures required for casting reactive and high-temperature materials.
Look for relevant certifications
Reputable investment casting suppliers invest in quality certifications to validate their capabilities and meet industry standards. Some key certifications to look for include ISO 9001 for quality management, AS9100 for aerospace manufacturing, ISO 13485 for medical devices, and Nadcap accreditation. These certifications require stringent process controls and high standards of production quality.
Evaluate their inspection and testing capabilities
A hallmark of top-tier investment casting companies is their rigorous approach to inspection and testing to ensure product quality. Look for suppliers that utilize advanced inspection techniques like x-ray fluorescence spectrometry for chemical analysis and CMM for precise dimensional verification. They should have dedicated metrology labs and qualified technicians to carry out non-destructive and mechanical testing. Robust quality testing capabilities help avoid potential defects and minimize production risks.
Assess customer service and responsiveness
Beyond production capabilities, choose an investment casting company that provides exceptional customer service and response times. Quick turnaround on design feedback, quotes, and product samples indicates efficient processes and attention to customer needs. Responsiveness on delivery timelines, technical questions, and project updates is also important. Established local suppliers generally provide better service due to closer proximity and cultural alignment.
Choosing the right investment casting company is key to getting high-quality castings delivered on time and on budget. Evaluating their end-to-end capabilities, materials expertise, certifications, quality processes, and customer service levels will ensure you select the best supplier to meet your needs.