Investment casting is an important metal forming technology that can produce complex, high-precision metal parts. The quality of investment casting supplies directly affects the properties, precision and service performance of castings. In recent years, with the continuous development of technology, new materials, new processes and new equipment have emerged in the field of investment casting supplies, which promotes the development of investment casting technology. This article summarizes the key factors affecting investment casting supplies and the latest development trends.
New materials broaden investment casting supplies categories
With the development of materials science, new materials such as high-performance alloys, composites, and graded materials have emerged, which enriches the categories of investment casting supplies. For example, nickel-based and cobalt-based superalloys and titanium alloys have been widely used in investment casting of aircraft engine parts. In addition, composite supplies made of particle/fiber reinforced metal matrix composites have high specific strength andSpecific stiffness, which is suitable for investment casting of aviation and aerospace components.
Additive manufacturing breaks tradition and innovates investment casting supplies
Unlike traditional manufacturing processes, additive manufacturing can directly build complex geometries layer by layer from 3D model data without special tools, molds or fixtures. This breaks the design and manufacturing constraints of traditional investment casting supplies. For example, lightweight lattice structures, bionic shapes, and customized designs can be easily achieved through 3D printing. In addition, printed wax patterns and sand molds are emerging, which will subvert the traditional investment casting supplies.
Intelligent manufacturing improves the precision of investment casting supplies
The application of intelligent technology such as industrial robots, automated production lines, and artificial intelligence promotes the automation, digitization and intelligence of investment casting foundries. Precision digital control and online detection are applied to each process from wax injection, shell building, pouring, cleaning to inspection, which significantly improves the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of investment casting supplies.This also puts forward higher requirements for the precision of supplies such as wax materials and ceramic slurries.
Green manufacturing focuses on the environmental protection of investment casting supplies
With the increasing awareness of environmental protection in the casting industry, green and environmentally friendly investment casting supplies have become a development trend. This includes wax materials made from plants, water-based binders, recyclable sand molds, as well as cleaner melting and casting processes. These green supplies and technologies help foundries to reduce energy consumption, waste discharge and carbon emissions.
In summary, the quality advancement of investment casting supplies is the foundation to improve casting quality and performance. The development of new materials, digital manufacturing, intelligent technology and green manufacturing will promote the innovation and application of investment casting supplies, and lead the development of investment casting technology.