The Difference Between Investment Casting and Sand Casting

Investment Casting and Sand Casting

In this post, we will learn the difference between investment casting and sand casting, these two were the most popular method used in metalworking industry.

Image 1.1 Investment and sand casting product

What Is Casting?

In the metalworking industry, casting is a process in which a metal (liquid) is poured into a mold, usually by a crucible that contains a negative space of the intended shape. Usually casting is used for making a complicated or complex that would be difficult to make using other methods. 

Investment Casting (Lost Wax Casting)

Investment casting, also known as lost wax casting is a method used for making small and accurate casting in a refractory alloy using a mold formed around a pattern of wax which is then removed by melting, for detailed information about investment casting please click here.

So after knowing what is investment casting, let’s break down the advantage of using this method :

• Flexible Design
  • Investment casting provides almost unlimited freedom in terms of investment cast materials, usually high-temperature alloys. Investment casting is very ideal for very complex and detailed shapes and not limited by thickness and size. To find out more about this material subject click here.
• Less Waste, Strong Manufacturing Cost
  • Investment casting provides us with lesser waste, it’s because the wax that has been used can be recycled for the next investment casting process.
• Tighter Tolerance (More Precise)
  • Investment casting (lost wax casting) also called precision casting, with this method we can meet good tolerance level CT5-CT6, which can avoid further machining process. Even if tighter tolerance if needed we can avoid more machining process, so lesser machining process can be done.
• Integrity
  • Investment casting has a long history serving demanding sector as power generation and energy sector; machinery industry; automotive and metal treatment industry; medical and rehabilitation; furniture and interior; building; vessel and weapon industry.
• Smoother Surface
  • Casting that has been made by investment casting has a very smooth surface, which is created without a parting line something that would be unavoidable in some other processes.

Sand Casting

Sand Casting, also known as sand molded casting is a method characterized by using sand as the mold material, This process is called sand casting because the mold that contains the cavity into which metal is poured is made of compressed sand. The sand contains some other material that encourages it to hold its shape. After knowing about what sand casting is, let’s breakdown the advantage of using sand casting method :

• Faster Manufacturing Process
  • Unlike investment casting, sand casting has faster manufacturing process, but if we talk about quality investment casting will be far more better than sand casting.
• Nearly any Alloy
  • This method can be readily produced in nearly any ferrous or non-ferrous alloy materials.
• Lower Tooling Cost
  • Low tooling cost on sand casting makes this method is the best choice for lower volume need.

Conclusion

Quality-wise investment casting is better than sand casting in the final result but as with most design and materials, a discussion with an expert can help to choose the best decision. To determine if it is a fit for your application, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Detail of investment and sand casting product