Die Casting VS Investment Casting

Die casting and investment casting are the 2 main casting methods in JC Casting factory. Here we will talk about the difference between die casting and investment casting today!

What is Die Casting?

Casting is one of the oldest manufacturing techniques. It is a process in which a mold cavity is poured with a liquid material (e.g. molten metal) and hardened. After removing the piece from the mold, various finishing treatments can be used to give it a brilliant end result. This technique is being used to create intricate solid and hollow designs for a range of sectors, including aerospace and automotive to consumer electronics.

The Advantages Of Die Casting

Die Casting has several benefits over other manufacturing processes. It allows for thinner part walls, greater dimensional tolerance, and finer surface finishes. It also offers a broader range of materials than other methods. Lastly, it is a cost-effective choice for high-volume runs.

Here’s a summary of its advantages:

  • Produces good dimensional-tolerant parts.
  • Little secondary machining required.
  • Ideal for the production bigger and high-volume projects.
  • Produces excellent, consistent, and repeatable parts.

Die Casting Application

This technique is being used to create intricate solid and hollow designs for a range of sectors. The casting of small and thin metal components is accomplished using die casting. These parts are used in a wide range of industries and commercial goods, such as automobiles and consumer electronics.

What Is Investment Casting?

Investment casting is the process of forming a wax pattern in the shape of the desired part. The mold is coated with ceramic or another heat-resistant material to form a disposable cast. After the outer layer has solidified, the wax pattern is melted using heat, leaving a hole in the shape of the component. The mold is heated to a high temperature in an autoclave. The outer coating is then broken to reveal the cast component.

The Advantages Of Investment Casting

Investment Casting is one of the most common casting techniques known to people. The following are its advantages:

  • It’s precise and appropriate for complicated shapes.
  • Tolerances can be very tight.
  • The finish is superior, with little more machining required.
  • Cheaper tooling costs
  • It’s versatile and can be used on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Applications Of Investment Casting

Investment casting is a method of manufacturing that may be used to cast almost any material. It can be used for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It’s a critical component in the manufacture of many high-precision and high-accuracy components.

It is often used in the following industries:

  • aircraft systems
  • automobile engines and brake systems
  • industrial assemblies;
  • dental and medical devices.

Investment Casting Vs. Die Casting

Investment casting is a type of metal thermal processing. Die casting is one of them. The primary distinctions between them are as follows:

1. Definition

Casting is a technique of metal thermal processing. The liquid metal is poured into a casting cavity designed for the part. After cooling and solidifying, it becomes possible to create a component or a blank by using die casting. Die casting is an intricate metal molding process. It’s a high-pressure method for forcing Metal to be hydraulically poured

2. Material Selection

Both ferrous and nonferrous alloys can be used in the Casting process. It has a wider range of material options. Die casting is most used for metals such as aluminum, zinc, and magnesium alloys.

3. Characteristics

Heat treatment is a typical feature of investment casting. Die casting is characterized by two features: high pressure and high-speed filling.

4. Cost

Investment casting is a rather labor-intensive operation. It can result in greater dimensions and a superior surface finish. As a result, it appears to be a more costly casting process.

The cost of die casting is higher owing to the greater tooling and post-machining demands. As a result, die casting is more cost-effective for big and mass order quantities.

5. Surface Treatment

In all casting processes, the investment casting surface finish is always superior. It can achieve precise tolerance IT5-6 with a 125 micro finish as required.

Die casting may produce a decent surface finish but requires more machining to get the best result.

6. Size and Design

Investment casting allows for more design freedom. It can make precise measurements, intricate shapes, and thin-walled components.

Its die casting capabilities allow it to produce components with a larger size. Its unit cost and tooling costs are greater for larger goods and smaller quantity purchases.

How To Choose The Right  Process For My Project?

No two casting projects are the same, and different solutions may be required for each. Here are a few things to think about before you begin your next project. This will help you decide which procedure is appropriate for your component.

1. Design Complexity

Investment casting provides a wide range of design options since you can create intricate shapes and add design features.  Die Casting, however, it may not produce the same degree of dimensional accuracy as those of Investment Casting.

2. Material Selection

Investment Casting may be used to create a wide range of alloys (including both ferrous and non-ferrous metals). This is more extensive than Die Casting. Alloys that are difficult to machine may be cast by using this process. Non-ferrous metals such as zinc, copper, aluminum, magnesium, lead, pewter, and tin-based alloys are used to make die casting.

3. Annual Usage

Investment Casting is selected for smaller production runs, because of its tooling cost. Large-scale manufacturing and big-volume projects may benefit from die casting. This is because it has high consistency and repeatability but comes at a higher tooling cost.

4. Part Size

Investment casting may handle components weighing up to about 200 pounds. Die Casting also has its own size limits. However, they are somewhat less restrictive than those of Investment Casting.

5. Tolerance

Investment Casting can produce tight tolerances, whereas Die Casting delivers respectable ones. The smaller the casting, the more accurate it is in terms of dimensional accuracy.

6. Cost

Investment Casting may be produced with minimal machining, resulting in less time and money. Die Casting costs more money. It usually needs some secondary machining to finish the item. For these reasons, large volumes are more cost-effective with die casting.

7. Finish Requirements

The surface finish of Investment Casting is better than that of other casting processes. Die Casting provides a decent surface finish. Yet, more machining is usually required to get the product to its ultimate form.

JC Casting is a top custom investment casting manufacturer. We are a dependable supplier for all your casting needs. We can provide all types of investment casting components in steel, iron, aluminum, and many other materials.

Please contact us if you are considering the design of a new part to be cast. If you are weighing the choices of sand and investment casting, you can also rely on us. Our sales and engineering staff can help you decide which process is appropriate for you.