title = "Investment Casting (Lost-Wax) Process"

content = """
Investment casting, also known as lost-wax casting, is a precision casting process capable of producing
complex near-net-shape parts in virtually any castable alloy with dimensional accuracies and surface
finishes unattainable by conventional sand casting. Ridgecrest Metalworks operates investment casting
for high-complexity aerospace and industrial components where machining allowance minimization and
intricate feature geometry are required.

Process Overview:

Wax Pattern Injection: A wax replica of the part is injected into a metal die. Wax patterns are
dimensionally oversized by the appropriate alloy-specific shrinkage allowance. Wax cores can be used
to produce internal passages that would be impossible to achieve with conventional sand cores.

Pattern Assembly (Tree Assembly): Multiple wax patterns are attached to a central wax sprue to form
a cluster or "tree," maximizing the number of parts produced per mold shell.

Shell Building: The wax tree is repeatedly dipped in a ceramic slurry and coated with fine refractory
sand (stucco). Each coat is allowed to dry before the next is applied. Typically 5–10 layers are
applied to achieve the required mold wall thickness and strength.

Dewaxing: The ceramic shell is placed in a steam autoclave or flash fire oven. The wax melts out rapidly
("lost wax"), leaving a hollow ceramic mold. Flash dewaxing prevents the wax from expanding slowly
and cracking the shell before it can melt out.

Shell Firing: The green ceramic shell is fired in a furnace to burn out residual wax, sinter the
ceramic, and achieve the strength needed to withstand the metal pour.

Pouring: Molten metal is poured into the preheated shell. Preheating the shell reduces thermal shock
during pour and improves metal flow to thin sections.

Shell Knockout and Cleaning: After solidification, the ceramic shell is broken away mechanically.
The parts are cut from the tree by sawing or abrasive cutting, and the gate stubs are ground flush.

Capabilities and Applications:
Wall thickness as thin as 0.5–1.5 mm is achievable. Surface finish is typically Ra 1.6–6.3 µm as-cast.
Common alloys: stainless steel, alloy steel, cobalt-chrome, titanium, and nickel superalloys. Tight
tolerances (±0.1–0.25 mm typical, ±0.05 mm achievable in controlled conditions) make this process
ideal for aerospace turbine blades, structural brackets, and complex valve bodies.
"""

version = "0.0.1"
