Investment Casting Definition: Finishing

Depending on the application and part specifications, various amounts of finishing are required in the next step in the investment casting process. If necessary, excess metal is removed, the part surfaces are polished and other work may be done. In many cases, the...

Investment Casting Definition: Knockout

In investment casting, the term knockout refers to the process of removing the ceramic mold from the casting. After the poured castings have cooled to an acceptable temperature, they are transferred to the knockout area. Having served its purpose, the ceramic molds...

Investment Casting Definition: Casting

Perhaps the most familiar step in the investment casting process is when the molten alloy is poured into the molds – referred to as casting. A wide array of alloys can be melted and combined to achieve a near endless range of properties and characteristics for diverse...

Investment Casting Definition: Firing

Firing in the investment casting process is the step where the molds are prepared to accept the molten alloy that will become the finished parts. The molds are transferred to special ovens that heat to 1,800º F. This flash-firing treatment melts and removes the wax...

Investment Casting Definition: Dipping and Coating

Dipping and coating are investment casting terms referring to a step used in the creation of the actual casting molds. The sprue is repeatedly dipped into vats, applying successive layers of ceramic and stucco to form a hard shell. At the center of the structure are...