Feature Article
Tracking Your Customer’s Alloys from Receiving Dock to Shipping Dock
by Patrick McCrevan, B&L Senior Account Executive
nvestment casting is a manufacturing process widely used to produce high- precision components with intricate geometries, particularly in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical. Alloys play a crucial role in this process due to their ability to meet the specific requirements of different applications. Your customer may know what
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material they want to use for a specific application, or they may come to you seeking advice. Some of the properties you will discuss with them are:
1. Mechanical Properties:
Different alloys offer varying mechanical properties, such as strength, ductility, hardness, and wear resistance. The choice of alloy depends on the intended use of the cast component and the required performance characteristics. For example, nickel-based superalloys are often used in aerospace applications due to their high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance, while stainless steel alloys are preferred for their corrosion resistance and biocompatibility in medical implants.
2. Castability: Alloys differ in their
castability, which refers to their ability to flow and fill intricate mold cavities during the casting process.
Alloys
with good castability can produce components with complex geometries and thin sections without defects such as porosity or incomplete filling. Certain alloy compositions and melting practices can improve castability, making them more suitable for investment casting.
3. Weldability and Post-
Processing: Some cast components may require welding or other post-processing operations. Alloys with good weldability and machinability can facilitate
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these processes, reducing the overall manufacturing cost and complexity.
4. Dimensional Accuracy and
Surface Finish: Investment casting is renowned for producing components with exceptional dimensional accuracy and surface finish. Certain alloys, such as those with low shrinkage rates and minimal segregation tendencies, can further enhance the precision and quality of the final product.
5. Corrosion and Oxidation Resistance: In many applications, cast
components may be exposed to harsh environments or elevated temperatures. Alloys with superior corrosion and oxidation resistance are essential to ensure the longevity and reliability of the components.
Once they select a material, you
may purchase the alloy as ingots complete with certifications, or you may have a recipe to mix the alloy yourself. Either way, the material certification is an important part of your deliverables. In addition, investment casting requires various raw materials, such as alloys, waxes, ceramic slurries, and other
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