Ibreakstuffdigitally
Mechanical
- Nov 18, 2005
- 37
Background: We have a stainless prototype part that is currently manufactured by a sand cast process. Production volumes will be relatively low, but better control of our finish and tolerances could potentially eliminate some machining steps, and even with some significant up front cost, we'd likely come out well ahead.
Our part is on the large side for investment casting (although we are investigating that as well)
My question is with regards to some references I've come across describing the use of graphite moulds in a semipermanent steel casting process (one is an '89 publication of an ASM guide to high performance castings, so I presume it to have some merit)
The difficulty I'm having is finding out more than the occasional "it's been done" type of reference.
The search hits that I come across are off shore which I hesitate to investigate.
Does anyone know if this is a viable process? Are there North American suppliers? Is the process aplicable to stainless alloys, or only to very specific irons and steels?
Any leads or information would be appreciated
Our part is on the large side for investment casting (although we are investigating that as well)
My question is with regards to some references I've come across describing the use of graphite moulds in a semipermanent steel casting process (one is an '89 publication of an ASM guide to high performance castings, so I presume it to have some merit)
The difficulty I'm having is finding out more than the occasional "it's been done" type of reference.
The search hits that I come across are off shore which I hesitate to investigate.
Does anyone know if this is a viable process? Are there North American suppliers? Is the process aplicable to stainless alloys, or only to very specific irons and steels?
Any leads or information would be appreciated