The Difference Between Investment and Sand Casting

Since both investment and sand castings are metal casting methods that have been refined and improved through time, many people assume that there are no notable differences between the two. The truth is, although both create metal parts by pouring liquid metal into three-dimensional molds, each has certain characteristics that are significantly different from the other.

Surface Finish

One of the biggest differences between Investment Castings and sand castings lie in their product’s surface finish. Using investment casting creates a finished metal component that boasts of its smooth surfaces as well as low tolerances under the aluminum pattern.

On the other hand, when you use the sandcasting method, the three-dimensional model is split apart so that the final product will be released, forming a parting line that will be highly noticeable outside the finishing part. The surface of its finished components will be considerably rough as well. As a result, you’ll get to spend additional money and time to get rid of the parting line and to make the metal part’s surface smoother.

Ease of Design

In investment casting, ceramic shell mold is formed using a liquid slurry, so parts by investment casting process can be made almost any shape, giving engineers extraordinary freedom in their designs to add intricate features and complex shapes. For sand casting parts, to come out the sand easily with less friction, they usually have to be tapered (with draft angles) or shaped. It’s also a challenge for sand casting to makeparts with internal voids or cavities. Sand casting requires cores properly shaped and inserted in the mold to form the part’s interior. Sometimes, several cores may be needed, and it also costs time to form and secure them within each mold.

Weight

In case you’re not aware, you can make casting that’s much smaller than 1 lb (approx. 0.45 kgs). if you use the investment casting method. Conversely, with sand casting, you’ll find it difficult to make small and complex parts.

Cost

In terms of cost, the process of investment casting is always more expensive than sand casting because of the fact that it is more complex and it requires more preparation.

Learn More About Investment Castings Today!

You can always get more information about Investment Castings by giving BRILLIANT MACHINERY a call or an email today. For more than 10 years, we’ve been supplying engineered products and services to our metal-working customers base on a global scale.