Advances in shell moulding for investment casting

The casting of liquid metals to produce solid objects is a manufacturing process that has been practised for over 5000 years, with investment casting being one of the oldest known metal shaping methods. The technique itself has tremendous advantages in the production of quality components and the key benefits of accuracy, versatility and integrity. As a result the process is one of the most economic methods of forming a wide range of metal components. Environmental and economic pressures have, however, resulted in a need for the industry to improve current casting quality, reduce manufacturing costs and explore new markets for the process. Optimisation of the mechanical and physical properties of the ceramic shell will be fundamental to achieving these aims. This paper sets out to summarise ceramic developments currently being implemented and to explore possible methods for the improvement of shell performance.