lost wax investment casting for steel?

I'm not trying to be argumentative. I certainly hold you and your opinion in high esteem.
This is one of those extremely rare times I'll have to respectfully disagree.

The last time I had steel done, I got a pretty detailed tour of the facility, which involved a walkthrough from the waxing to the "stuccoing" of the trees to burn out, pouring, de-spruing, etc.

All I know about the slurry is it contains silica and the tree is dipped several times over several days into slurries of different consistencies.

I'm absolutely certain they were doing the steel the same way as their bronze because my parts were treed up and slurry-coated right next to art bronzes. Whether there were different additives in the slurry for steel vs. bronze, I don't know.
At the time, cost was the same for steel as for bronze for my little part. If it was a bigger project, the bronze would be more expensive because of the material cost (I quoted it).
I had a choice of several steel alloys including a few stainless steels, I don't remember them all, it's been a few years.
This particular foundry (the one in Oxnard, CA I mentioned) had been doing all of the steel sword hilt castings for Albion when they did my little one-of project.

I totally agree, if you're setting up with "real" (permanent) tooling, molds cost huge, huge amounts of money. Impossible to justify in most situations.
But investment casting is cheap, and it's still used extensively to cast steel and titanium aircraft parts.

If it's a part like a detailed sword pommel or other fitting, investment casting will almost always be cheaper than CNC because of the extensive programming and fixturing required before you can make even one part on the CNC. It'll be hours doing the CAD model. Then, doing compound curves requires time-intensive 3D milling (on a 3 axis) or the use of a 5th axis mill, which is big money per hour. Plus, the 5th axis guys are going to want a reasonable run to justify the more complicated programming and the time taken away from the regular (usually DOD) jobs.

BTW, if the OP is thinking of casting a blade, I'd advise against it. It's done sometimes, but it's not nearly an optimum process for that.

Stacy,I'm not trying to be argumentative. I certainly hold you and your opinion in high esteem.This is one of those extremely rare times I'll have to respectfully disagree.The last time I had steel done, I got a pretty detailed tour of the facility, which involved a walkthrough from the waxing to the "stuccoing" of the trees to burn out, pouring, de-spruing, etc.All I know about the slurry is it contains silica and the tree is dipped several times over several days into slurries of different consistencies.I'm absolutely certain they were doing the steel the same way as their bronze because my parts were treed up and slurry-coated right next to art bronzes. Whether there were different additives in the slurry for steel vs. bronze, I don't know.At the time, cost was the same for steel as for bronze for my little part. If it was a bigger project, the bronze would be more expensive because of the material cost (I quoted it).I had a choice of several steel alloys including a few stainless steels, I don't remember them all, it's been a few years.This particular foundry (the one in Oxnard, CA I mentioned) had been doing all of the steel sword hilt castings for Albion when they did my little one-of project.I totally agree, if you're setting up with "real" (permanent) tooling, molds cost huge, huge amounts of money. Impossible to justify in most situations.But investment casting is cheap, and it's still used extensively to cast steel and titanium aircraft parts.If it's a part like a detailed sword pommel or other fitting, investment casting will almost always be cheaper than CNC because of the extensive programming and fixturing required before you can make even one part on the CNC. It'll be hours doing the CAD model. Then, doing compound curves requires time-intensive 3D milling (on a 3 axis) or the use of a 5th axis mill, which is big money per hour. Plus, the 5th axis guys are going to want a reasonable run to justify the more complicated programming and the time taken away from the regular (usually DOD) jobs.BTW, if the OP is thinking of casting a blade, I'd advise against it. It's done sometimes, but it's not nearly an optimum process for that.

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Choosing a reliable lost wax casting service for stainless steel is crucial for ensuring quality, precision, and durability in your products. As industries grow increasingly competitive, understanding the key factors that influence your decision can make a significant difference. Here, we present essential questions you should ask, supplemented by insights from industry experts.

What is the Company&#;s Experience in Lost Wax Casting?

Experience is a cornerstone of reliability. According to John Smith, a veteran foundry manager with over two decades in the industry, &#;A company with extensive experience typically has refined techniques and understands the nuances of different materials, including stainless steel.&#; Therefore, inquire about their years of operation and specific expertise in stainless steel casting.

Can You Provide References or Case Studies?

Testimonials and documented success stories can provide insight into a company&#;s reliability. Jane Doe, a quality assurance specialist, advises, &#;Ask for references from previous clients and case studies related to your requirements. This will offer reassurance of their capabilities and service quality.&#; Having concrete examples can help you gauge the company&#;s performance and customer satisfaction rates.

What Quality Control Measures Are in Place?

Quality assurance is paramount in lost wax casting. Mike Johnson, a materials engineer, suggests asking, &#;What specific quality control procedures do you have in place?&#; Reputable companies will explain their processes, which may include inspections, testing for material properties, and certifications such as ISO .

What Is Your Lead Time and Delivery Guarantee?

Understanding the production timeline is essential for project planning. Linda Brown, a supply chain analyst, stresses, &#;Inquire about lead times and the company&#;s ability to meet deadlines. Just as important is their delivery guarantee.&#; It&#;s advisable to request a clear timeline and any penalties for delays to ensure your project stays on track.

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What Are Your Capabilities for Customization?

Customization can significantly impact your project&#;s success. Tom White, a design engineer, comments, &#;Ask about the company&#;s abilities in terms of custom designs and adjustments to meet specific client needs.&#; Understanding their flexibility and technological capabilities will help you assess whether they can accommodate your unique specifications.

What Are The Pricing Structures and Hidden Costs?

Cost is always a consideration, but transparency is essential to avoid surprises later. Sarah Thomson, a financial consultant, recommends that you &#;Request a detailed breakdown of pricing structures, including any potential hidden costs.&#; Ensure that you understand the factors influencing costs such as material choices, design complexity, and lead times to budget effectively.

Can You Discuss Your Material Sourcing?

The quality of the materials used directly affects the end product. Mark Green, a metallurgist, emphasizes, &#;Inquire about their material sourcing and compliance with industry standards.&#; A reliable service will be transparent about their sourcing methods and will likely have quality certifications for their materials.

How Will You Communicate Throughout the Process?

Effective communication is key to a successful project. Barbara Grey, a project manager, suggests asking, &#;What communication channels will be used throughout the project? How often will updates be provided?&#; A dependable service will have a clear communication plan in place, ensuring you are kept in the loop on your project&#;s progress.

What Is Your Post-Casting Support Policy?

Lastly, investigating post-production support is crucial. Daniel Lee, an operations director, points out, &#;Ask about your options for support after casting is complete &#; whether that includes adjustments, repairs, or advice on finishing processes.&#; Knowing the support available can help you make informed decisions and foster a long-term partnership.

In conclusion, asking the right questions when choosing a lost wax casting service for stainless steel helps ensure quality and reliability. Equip yourself with these considerations, and you&#;ll be better positioned to select a service that meets your specific needs.

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