There are two similar investment casting processes, water glass investment casting and silica sol investment casting. which are wildly used in steel casting parts.
The same points between water glass investment casting and silica sol investment casting
Both of the two casting process are suitable for complex shape part and thin wall part.
Silica sol investment casting and water glass investment casting are both without parting line, can manufacture complex shape part which sand casting process is not suitable for, such as impeller, etc.
The wall thickness can meet as lower as 1.5 millimeter, Hole diameter can meet as smaller as 5 millimeter. Range of each part weight is from 2 gram to 70 kilogram.
Difference of water glass investment casting and silica sol investment casting
Adhesive is different. as the name suggests, adhesive of silica sol investment casting is silica sol. meanwhile adhesive of water glass investment casting is water glass
Shell dry process is different. Silica sol shell is drying naturally in constant temperature and humidity environment. which need more time and cost. Water glass shell is drying through chemical hardener. which need shorter time and lower cost.
Wax is different. Silica sol wax is middle temperature, water glass wax is low temperature.
Casting material is different. Usually carbon steel apply to water glass investment casting, however silica sol investment casting can manufacture carbon steel, stainless steel, high temperature alloy, etc.
Silica sol investment casting parts are with better quality. which is more accurate dimension and smooth surface.
Contact with Refidus, we are more than pleased to provide you any help in casting parts