Investment casting, also known as lost-wax casting, is a manufacturing process that produces highly accurate and complex metal parts with smooth surface finishes. The market is experiencing growth due to its application in diverse sectors like aerospace, automotive, and defense. Market analysis indicates a projected value of $22 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2024 to 2030.
Investment Casting Process:
Creating the Wax Pattern: A wax pattern, which is a replica of the desired part, is created.
Building the Ceramic Shell: This pattern is repeatedly dipped in a slurry of refractory material and then coated with stucco (sand or ceramic granules). This process is repeated to build up a strong ceramic shell.
Wax Removal: The wax is melted out of the ceramic shell, leaving behind a hollow mold.
Casting: Molten metal is poured into the ceramic mold.
Cooling and Shell Removal: The metal is allowed to cool and solidify, after which the ceramic shell is broken away to reveal the finished part.
Key Applications:
Aerospace and defense, automotive, and general industrial machinery are major application areas.