Investment Casting of Aerospace Components
Investment casting has a history of more than 5,000 years and is used to manufacture products for a variety of purposes. Today, it is a widely used and reliable casting method for aerospace components.
Aerospace companies require highly complex and precise castings that perform their functions reliably and efficiently. In addition, these components need to withstand extreme environmental stresses without compromising their performance. From extreme temperature differences to corrosive elements, these castings must be designed to withstand these stresses and resist corrosion and wear that can cause the components to fail while performing their critical functions.
Investment casting and surface treatment solutions play a vital role in aerospace casting.
Investment casting requires the creation of a wax pattern for the part or component to be manufactured. The wax pattern is then placed on a sprue and runner metal delivery system. The wax pattern is dipped into a ceramic slurry and allowed to dry to form the ceramic slurry. Later, when the ceramic shell becomes a mold, the wax is removed and the molten metal fills the mold to manufacture the component.
There are huge advantages to using investment casting. This method can manufacture the complex geometries and precision designs required for aerospace industry components. In addition, the surface of the part is very smooth, with fewer defects and less need for polishing and machining. Investment casting can also use a variety of different metals, such as aluminum, stainless steel, low alloy steel, titanium alloys and super alloys. Cast metal parts can range in size from a few ounces to hundreds of pounds.
Dimensional accuracy and surface quality. One advantage of investment casting is that it can produce parts that are close to net shape, reducing subsequent machining. However, the tolerance requirements of aerospace parts can be very tight, so process control must be very precise. Surface finish is also important, which may involve subsequent coatings or heat treatments, so the surface after casting cannot have many defects.
Corrosion and wear resistant surface treatments
Treating the surface of metal parts not only improves its aesthetics, but also provides other benefits. Applying coatings to the surface can also protect the part from corrosion caused by environmental conditions or chemicals that may be introduced into the working environment. These treatments can also reduce the wear of the part, thereby extending its service life. There are many surface treatment methods that can be used in the aerospace casting process.
Anodizing: Anodizing creates an additional protective natural oxide layer on the surface of the part, which is formed from the metal material of the part itself.
Chemical conversion coating: This process uses electrochemical or chemical methods to attach a metal coating to a surface.
Passivation: This treatment helps remove iron from the metal surface that can cause corrosion.
Electroplating: Electroplating is the deposition of a layer of metal on the surface of a part. A variety of electroplating techniques can be used, including electroplating using an electric current and chemical plating.
Etching: Etching removes a very thin layer of coating from the surface of a part.
Painting: When the part needs to be viewed, painting the surface can improve its appearance while isolating the metal from the corrosive environment.
Dry film: A powder coating applied to the surface.
Stress and embrittlement relief: This process removes hydrogen generated during post-casting cleaning and electroplating.
So, Aerospace casting processes are very complex, depending on the thickness or complexity of the designed part. Ningbo Suijin Machinery Technology Co.,Ltd is specialized in manufacturing all kinds of investment castings and machining parts, material including carbon steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel, we also compound the material according to drawing specification. We can provide you with excellent aerospace casting solutions to meet your casting needs.
successful cases
Choose the plan that suits you best.
Alloy Steel Investment Casting
Alloy steel investment casting components are typically used in industries where high strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance are required.
Lost Wax Casting Stainless Steel
Stainless steel precision casting or investment casting, silica sol process. This is a low cut or no cut casting process. It is an excellent process technology in the casting industry.
Lost Wax Casting Parts
Precision casting or lost wax casting, holds a perfect balance between artistry and precision engineering.
Investment Casting Metal Parts
Mounting parts play a vital role in securing and attaching components within complex assemblies or structures.