INNOVATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF THE INVESTMENT CASTING OF PRECIOUS ALLOYS

Abstract

Various techniques and technologies have been developed and fine-tuned in recent years which have made it possible to improve the investment casting process and extend its field of applicability such as, for example, the application of rapid prototyping, rapid manufacturing, casting simulation and “non-traditional” materials. In the past decades, companies working in the precious metals sector could keep in their collection the same products for a long period, eventually applying minor modifications. Nowadays innovation is considered one of the key point for the success of the production, coupled to an increased attention towards quality and reliability of the product. The present paper deals with an analysis of some of the innovations introduced into the investment casting of precious metals in the recent years, in terms of process analysis, new materials involved for the fabrication and metal alloys.