The post-processing stage is crucial in refining investment casting parts to meet specific design and quality standards. After the casting process, several steps are typically undertaken:
1. Cutting and Removal: Remove excess material, like gates and sprues, to separate the cast part.
2. Surface Cleaning:Thoroughly clean to ensure a smooth surface, removing ceramic shell remnants and contaminants.
3. Heat Treatment:Some castings undergo heat treatment for improved mechanical properties and metallurgical characteristics.
4. Shot Blasting: Clean and smoothen the surface, eliminating impurities for a consistent finish.
5. Machining:Apply milling or turning to achieve precise dimensions and meet tight tolerances.
6. Surface Finishing:Employ techniques like polishing or coating for appearance enhancement and corrosion protection.
7. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):Use methods like X-ray or ultrasonic testing to detect internal defects.
8. Quality Inspection: Rigorous inspection to ensure compliance with specified standards.
9. Assembly: If needed, assemble components into the final product.
10. Final Inspection and Certification: Validate overall quality and dimensions; upon passing, receive certifications for industry standards.