Advanced Air-Melt & Vacuum Investment Casting Processes

Advanced Investment Casting Processes for Complex Manufacturing Needs

At Texmo Blank, we offer a wide range of specialised investment casting processes designed to meet the unique demands of different industries and applications. Our expertise ensures we deliver custom, high-quality precision castings that meet tight tolerances and complex geometries.

Whether you require small, intricate components or larger parts weighing up to 25 kgs, our versatile manufacturing options provide the perfect balance of quality, cost efficiency, and turnaround time.

Factors to Consider in the Investment Casting Process

When selecting the best investment casting process for your parts, several important factors come into play:

1. Material Composition
   Different alloys such as steel, nickel, cobalt, titanium, and aluminium require specific investment casting techniques, especially vacuum processes for reactive or high-performance metals.
2. Part Complexity and Precision
   For intricate designs and superior surface finish, atmospheric and vacuum casting methods offer higher detail and control.
3. Production Volume
   High-volume production benefits from automated pouring techniques, while low- to medium-volume production may favour more manual, controlled methods.
4. Part Size and Geometry
   Certain methods, like centrifugal casting, excel at thin-walled or complex shapes, while others, like air melt casting, handle wider size ranges.
5. Surface Finish Requirements
   Industries with strict quality demands benefit from casting processes that optimise surface smoothness and dimensional accuracy.

Explore our detailed Capabilities page to learn more about the materials and finishes we offer.

Air Melt Investment Casting Process

Air melt casting is an economical and versatile investment casting process suitable for parts and alloys that do not require vacuum environments. Our air melt methods include:

Tilt Pouring Investment Casting

Metal is melted in an induction furnace, which is then tilted to pour the molten alloy directly into ceramic moulds. This reduces contamination by limiting exposure to air and is best suited for smaller batch sizes. Common materials include steel, nickel, and cobalt alloys.

Ladle Pouring Investment Casting

Similar to tilt pouring, molten metal is transferred to a ladle before being poured into moulds. This intermediate step enhances efficiency, particularly for high-volume runs with steel, nickel, cobalt, or aluminium alloys.

Low-Pressure Aluminium Investment Casting

Designed exclusively for aluminium alloys, this process utilises vacuum (low pressure) to draw molten metal into moulds, ensuring minimal dross and excellent detail reproduction, albeit with slower cycle rates.

Roll Over Pouring Investment Casting

In this method, moulds are attached to the induction furnace, which is then rotated to pour the entire molten batch simultaneously, delicately filling fine detail but with reduced efficiency.

Vacuum Melt Investment Casting Process

Vacuum melt investment casting is ideal for reactive or expensive alloys requiring oxidation-free conditions and precise control.

Single Chamber Vacuum Investment Casting

Melting and pouring occur within a single vacuum chamber, offering a cost-effective solution for the low-to medium-volume production of steel, nickel, or cobalt castings. It’s more suited for less intricate parts.

Double Chamber Vacuum Investment Casting

This advanced process separates melting and moulding in two chambers under vacuum conditions. It enables high levels of automation and the production of detailed and complex parts.

Vacuum Centrifugal Investment Casting

Molten metal is melted in a vacuum and then cast by centrifugal force into rotating moulds. This process achieves exceptional detail, making it especially suited for titanium and other costly alloys, while minimising material waste.

Learn more about these methods on our dedicated Investment Casting Process page.

The Benefits of Multiple Investment Casting Processes

Offering diverse casting processes enables Texmo Blank to provide:

• Flexibility – Tailored casting processes to fit material, part complexity, and volume requirements.
• Optimised Part Performance – Selection of a process that maximises surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and mechanical properties.
• Cost-Effectiveness – Ensures clients receive the best value by matching process cost with production needs.
• Innovation – Enables customised solutions and exploration of new materials or designs.

Get Started with Texmo Blank's Investment Casting Process Expertise

Partner with a leading investment casting manufacturer with proven expertise and global production capabilities. Contact our Sales Team to discuss your project and receive personalised guidance.