What are the commonly used materials in investment casting?
What Are the Commonly Used Materials in Investment Casting?
Stainless Steel Alloys
Stainless steels are widely used in investment casting for their corrosion resistance, strength, and temperature tolerance. Grades such as 304, 316, and 17-4PH are commonly chosen for medical device, automotive, and consumer electronics applications. 17-4PH, for instance, offers tensile strength exceeding 1000 MPa and excellent dimensional stability after heat treatment.
Carbon and Low Alloy Steels
Carbon steel and low alloy steels are selected for their toughness, machinability, and cost-effectiveness. Materials such as AISI 4140 or AISI 8620 are often used in structural components, industrial tools, and heavy-duty brackets. These alloys are ideal for parts subjected to wear and dynamic loads, and they offer a good balance between strength and ductility.
Nickel-Based Alloys
Nickel-based superalloys, including Inconel 625 and 718, are used for parts requiring high strength at elevated temperatures and superior corrosion resistance. These materials are widely adopted in aerospace, gas turbines, and high-pressure systems. Inconel 718, for example, retains mechanical properties up to 700°C.
Copper-Based Alloys
Copper alloys, including bronze and brass, are common in applications that require electrical conductivity, thermal performance, or antimicrobial properties. They are ideal for plumbing components, decorative hardware, and marine parts. Silicon bronze (C87500) offers a blend of corrosion resistance and castability, suitable for intricate patterns.
Aluminum Alloys
Cast aluminum is favored for lightweight components where moderate strength, corrosion resistance, and cost efficiency are required. Alloys like A356 and 319 are used in e-mobility structures and consumer products, especially where thermal conductivity and weight savings are key.
Titanium Alloys
Cast titanium is selected for aerospace and medical applications requiring the highest strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance. Ti-6Al-4V is the most common grade, combining over 900 MPa tensile strength with a density of 4.43 g/cm³, nearly half that of steel.
Manufacturing Services for Precision Investment Casting in Multiple Alloys
Neway offers complete investment casting services across stainless steel, carbon steel, nickel, copper, aluminum, and titanium alloys. With ±0.01mm precision, full CNC machining, and 20+ years of foundry experience, we deliver complex metal parts globally for diverse industries.
