HOW IS DONE

Phase I — Wax injection

In the investment casting process, the first step is the design and manufacturing of the mould into which wax pattern is injected. This pattern is developed in-house through additive manufacturing technique – SLA Rapid Prototyping – or made by machining of aluminium block by FERESPE’s reliable subcontracted partners.

As any imperfection on the wax pattern will appear on the casting, the surface quality of the mould and wax pattern has a critical importance on the quality of the casting. FERESPE uses 3D Photometric Scanning System to assure its dimensional and geometric accuracy.

After the wax injection, the resulting model will have the same shape as the final cast piece. It is then assembled onto a “tree” consisting of one or various models and the feeding and gating system.

Phase II — Ceramic Coating, Dewaxing and Melting

The most important step is to build the ceramic coating around the “tree” which consists of various layers of different slurries and sands.

After this, the shell is then dewaxed and will be heated to temperatures up to 1100ºC. At that time, the ceramic shell is ready to be pre-heated and have metal poured.

Phase III — Finishing Process

FERESPE performs the finishing processes, such as surface treatments (grinding and shotblasting), heat treatments and final inspections. Other activities, such has machining, coatings, surface chemical treatments, among others, can be subcontracted to FERESPE’s experienced partners.