Investment casting is a manufacturing process that has been used for centuries to produce high-quality metal components with intricate details. Also known as lost-wax casting, this technique involves creating a wax pattern of the desired part and then coating it with a ceramic shell. Once the shell hardens, the wax is melted and drained, leaving behind a hollow cavity in the shape of the desired part. Molten metal is then poured into the cavity, filling every tiny detail and creating the final product.
One of the key advantages of investment casting is its ability to produce parts with complex shapes and fine details. The wax pattern can be created using various methods, including 3D printing, allowing for precise reproduction of intricate designs. This makes investment casting particularly suitable for applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and jewelry, where precision and aesthetics are crucial.