How Investment Casting Molds Are Made

Investment casting is a process by which metal components can be produced with great accuracy, repeatability, and integrity, allowing for the creation of valuable parts across a variety of industries in the business world. A great investment casting company works partners with its customers to create investment casting molds and finished products that help add efficiency and effectiveness to any business.

The steel casting process all stems from the creation of the casting mold, which is used to create the finishing cast, including repeating it as many times as is necessary. The first step is generally to produce a master pattern, which is often made from wax, clay, wood, or plastic. This pattern is created based on a design created through the creative process between the investment casting company and its partner, made to fit the exact specifications of what is needed.

Next, the mold, or master die, is created to fit the master pattern that was created in the first step. In cases where the mold is created from steel, the master die is cast directly from the pattern, with metal that has a relatively lower melting point. While this molding can be created without a master pattern, the pattern helps to ensure both precision and repeatability, if multiple molds are needed.

The Intercast Way

At Intercast, our molds and castings are created in our state-of-the-art investment casting foundry, located approximately 10 miles south of the U.S. border in Mexico. As we control the whole process, we are able to provide the highest quality products and outstanding customer service along with an advantageous cost structure, thanks to favorable tax treatment. We have modern facilities, safety, and security that is equal to anything you will find the United States.

One thing that sets us apart in the creation process is our rapid prototyping 3D printing process. With the use of QuickCast or SLA material technology, we are able to create sample castings and molds more quickly and more cheaply for our clients. This helps our partners put their vision into life as quickly as possible, helping solve problems more efficiently while making sure everything is delivered exactly as expected.

After the mold is created, wax patterns are then assembled and poured into the mold until there is an even coating. This followed by the application of investment materials, pouring, and divesting, creating an investment cast that is ready to be used. This process allows for high accuracy, intricate parts and designs, and the use of almost any metal.

To learn more about the investment casting process or how we can help you in your business, contact Intercast today to learn more. You can request a quote for your project, or simply talk it through to see if we are able to help you. Everything is handled in house, so you can expect top notch communication and service throughout the process.