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Immersion Casting Process
Immersion casting, also known as “directional solidification casting”, is a casting method that utilises the combination of cooling and gravity forces to create objects which are cast with superb precision and considerably decreased lead times in comparison to traditional die casting. There are a variety of advantages and disadvantages to immersion casting, and the process is often used in a variety of industries including military and medical applications.
The Process
The immersion casting process is a two step process which takes place in a quiescent liquid environment. In the first step, a die is filled with molten metal, usually made out of a 7xxx series aluminum alloy, and then rigidly placed in a metal container of selectively heated wax. As the molten metal gains contact with the wax, the metal is cooled at a rate determined by the wax temperature which allows for higher levels of accuracy in comparison to die casting. As the metal melts, the rigid die collects and reflects the force of gravity, thus resulting in highly directional solidification. This process solidifies the metal into a single form of intricate shapes. After solidification, the parts are removed from the wax using a variety of methods including flood-water extraction or hot-jet burn off.
Advantages
One of the primary advantages to immersion casting is its improved surface quality over traditional die casting. When immersed in a low temperature wax, the molten metal is able to form intricate shapes and details that die casting would otherwise not be able to accommodate. This process is often more cost-effective than traditional methods and can produce components in a very short turnaround period. Additionally, immersion casting also has the potential to be tailored to a variety of applications and has a range of temperature levels and heating rates that allow for product optimization.
Disadvantages
Along with its advantages, immersion casting also has its own set of disadvantages. Due to the small size of the parts, it can be difficult to perform large volume production using this method. Additionally, immersion casting can be both time consuming and complex, so there is a margin of user error involved. This form of casting also generally lacks the tooling and shape variables available in other casting processes.
Conclusion
Immersion casting is an effective alternative to traditional die-casting. By using the gravity forces of a specialized die and the powers of both cooling and heating, complex shapes can be created and adapted for various applications. This form of metal casting offers a range of advantages, including cost effectiveness and improved accuracy, but user error is still a factor that should be taken into consideration. At the end of the day, immersion casting provides users with a highly efficient casting process that is ideal for a variety of needs.