Production

1. Manufacture of wax injection die

To produce a component by casting technology, a mold or matrix is required. This mould delineates the contours of the casting. Since the molding wax does not have an abrasive effect on the matrix, this matrix has a very long service life. This is a one-time, or non-recurring work step.

2. Wax model injection molding

The future casting and the casting system are reproduced in wax by injection moulding. This requires that the injection pressure of the machine and the temperature of the molding wax are precisely coordinated in order to guarantee high dimension accuracy and surface quality.

3. Assembly of wax model

In this work step, the wax models and the sprue are assembled to form a wax tree. Experienced employees assemble the wax trees with great care, thus guaranteeing the high quality of the cast components.

4. Dipping, sand coating and drying

By repeatedly dipping the wax tree in ceramic slurry, coating it with sand and then drying, a ceramic shell is gradually formed, consisting of several layers. The primary coat of fine silica sand gives the castings a very smooth surface finish.

5. Dewaxing

In the dewaxing process, the molding wax is melted out of the ceramic shell at pressure in a steam autoclave.

6. Firing

During subsequent firing of the ceramic molds, the last traces of wax are completely burnt out, leaving no residues. The firing process cures the ceramic shell and gives it the required strength.

7. Casting

The customer-specific alloy constituents required for each casting batch are compiled and melted in our induction furnace. The molten metal is then poured into the hot ceramic mold using a pouring ladle. The precise temperature control of the molten steel, pouring ladle and ceramic molds assures the high material quality and surface finish even for thin-walled components with complex geometries.

8. Demolding

Once the cluster has cooled, the ceramic shell is carefully removed.

9. Separating

The casting is separated from the runner.

10. Shot blasting

Any ceramic residues are removed from the surface of the castings in a blasting process.

Finally, they are polished, heat treated, dressed, machined and/or surface coated as required by the customer.

11. Final inspection

We carry out optical checks on 100% of all investment casting products. The full range of criteria and measures to be employed in the quality control is coordinated with the customer according to his particular requirements.