Evaluation of product quality from the investment casting process focused on the relationship between investment flask and metal casting temperatures in a closely controlled experiment. A broad range of test conditions sought to produce a variety of specimens for evaluation. Metallographic techniques employing microscopic examination of 72 distinct experiments provided detailed insight into the cause of substandard quality castings. Results indicate that correct feeding of molten metal to the solidifying casting is critical to ensure superior quality over a broad range of production conditions. Incorrect feeding contributes to inconsistent results over an extensive range of metal and investment flask temperatures. Numerous references provide additional perspectives and accordance with experimental results.

Author: Greg Normandeau