Inconel Vacuum Precision Casting

We work with our customers to assure that the Inconel vacuum precision casting products/components can be manufactured with the desired characteristics in the most cost effective manner. Using simulation software to provide a “virtual prototype” we can begin to optimize the design prior to supplying products/components for design validation. We strive to be our customers’ best Inconel vacuum precision casting supply chain partner.

For your Inconel vacuum precision casting, we can help you out.

Please visit Inconel 625 Casting for detailed technical information about our Inconel 625 casting.

Please visit Inconel 718 Casting for detailed technical information about our Inconel 718 casting.

An Introduction to Inconel and Super Alloys

Inconel investment castings are fabricated by vacuum induction melting (VIM) barstock followed by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and age-hardening heat treatment. Inconel alloys possess excellent welding characteristics if required to repair casting defects or for in-service repairs.
Inconel is a trade name owned by Special Metals Corporation. If you specify a part should be made from Inconel you’re asking for one of their products. Other companies make similar super alloys, but they can’t put the Inconel name on them.

“Super alloy” is used to describe a metal that retains its strength as it gets close to its melting point. Non-super alloys like stainless steel become progressively weaker as they get hotter but a super alloy has its full strength when it’s at 90% of its melting temperature.
Inconel has a particular characteristic that makes it extremely useful for oxidizing environments: as it gets hot it forms a passivating oxide layer on the surface. This resists the oxidation that quickly shortens the life of parts made from other alloys.

Super alloys divide into three types, those that are nickel-based, those that are cobalt-based, and a smaller group that are iron-based. Inconel is around 60% nickel, 18% chromium and 19% iron, plus trace amounts of cobalt, molybdenum, aluminum and titanium. The exact proportions are what differentiates the various types of Inconel, and the equivalent super alloys.

What is Vacuum Precision Casting?

This is a casting process for elastomers which uses a vacuum to draw any liquid material into the mold. Vacuum casting is used when air entrapment is a problem with the mold. The process is sometimes called thermoforming because the manufacturing process involves rapid prototyping where the plastic sheets are preheated. The materials are preheated in an automated vacuum casting machine until they are soft and pliable.

How are Vacuum Precision Casting Made?

The process starts by placing a two piece silicone mold in a vacuum chamber. The raw material is mixed, degassed and then poured into the mold. The vacuum is then released and the mold removed from the chamber. Finally, the casting is cured in an oven and the mold removed to release the completed casting. The silicone mold can be reused.

In some machines the chamber where the material is mixed a pressure can be applied to increase the pressure differential between the mold cavity and the mixing chamber.

Why Vacuum Precision Cast Inconel?

Hardness, toughness and high temperature strength make nickel-based superalloys extremely difficult to machine. Vacuum precision casting avoids this problem by producing accurate parts that are near-net shape. While the processes used for making wax patterns and ceramic cores are complicated, vacuum precision casting need little final machining. This makes vacuum precision casting cost-effective for more complex parts required in higher volumes.

In the early days of super alloys, parts were forged rather than cast. However, the development of vacuum precision casting eliminated the porosity problems that plagued early attempts at casting. Today almost all investment casting of super alloys is performed under vacuum.