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Cast Metal Prototyping
Low volume. Quick turnaround.
CAST METAL PROTOTYPING
Wondering what’s possible?
We specialize in turning ideas into reality. And we do it fast, too. Invest Cast offers complete prototyping capabilities in a wide variety of metals, without tooling, in as little as 24 hours. As the largest and fastest producer of cast metal prototypes in the country, we utilize our in-house expertise along with a tight-knit group of engineers and designers who are able to help meet all your unique prototype needs. Our experienced staff is happy to work with you to figure out how to get the best prototype possible in the shortest amount of time.
Prototyping is best used when:
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Low volume or quick turn production.
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R&D parts or existing manufactured parts.
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Wider tolerances. Near net shape with 200-220RMS surface finish.
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SLS prototype made with 3D printer, then parts are brought through the investment casting process.
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Parts up to 100 pounds. Can do parts as multiple pieces, then weld them together if necessary.
Our precision investment prototype castings serve the following industries:
DIE CAST
EXTRUSION
INVESTMENT CAST
SINTERED
SAND CAST
FORGING & COMPLEX STAMPING
HOW IT WORKS
Prototype Casting Process
SLS Pattern Creation
The first step in the prototype casting process is to build an SLS pattern directly from a CAD file. This can be completed in just hours without tooling.
No need for tooling
The pattern is then prepared for production by coating the part in wax. From here we use our normal process to create a production quality part.
Wax assembly
Patterns are “wax welded” to a central sprue or cluster to facilitate pouring. Many patterns are attached to sprues for increased efficiency
Shell Building
The assembled prue is then dipped or “invested” in into a ceramic slurry. After draining, the sprue is then coated or “stuccoed” with a fine ceramic sand. This process is repeated several times using progressively coarser grades of ceramic material to “build” sufficient “shell” strength.
De-waxing
The shell built sprue is then de-waxed by rapidly heating in a furnace or autoclave leaving behind the perfect shell cavity.
Preheating shell
The shells are then fired at 1600° to 2000°. This cures the shells interior into smooth, hard and strong ceramic material.
Pouring
The hot sprues are then removed from the furnace and poured immediately. The poured shells are then set aside to cool.
Part Finishing
When cool the shell material is stripped away from the sprue. Parts are then cut from the sprue.
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