Innovative Dewax Method Unlocks Potential for Investment Casters
Abstract
Totally new methods are infrequent in a mature industry like investment casting. However, just such an advance has occurred for the dewaxing process. This patent pending technique involves an inverted directional solidification approach. Wax is removed with little or no stress on the shell. By using this technique, it is possible to remove several constraints placed on the investment caster that are in place to prevent or reduce shell cracking.
Introduction
For the past half-century, the main method of removing wax from investment casting shells in the USA has been the steam autoclave. The distant second most popular method is flash fire dewax. These two methods have been used to remove wax from an estimated 90-95% of all investment casting shells made during this time. The remaining few percent were accomplished by hot wax dewax, microwave dewax, and vapor dewax. The later three have significant environmental or technological issues that limit their suitability.
