Precision casting is an important method of component manufacturing with broad application prospects. Through reasonable material selection, mold design, temperature control, and processing, precision castings with excellent quality and stable performance can be produced. With the continuous progress of technology and technological innovation, the manufacturing technology of precision castings will also be further improved, providing better support for the development of various industries.

The manufacturing process of precision castings involves multiple processes, including mold making, liquid metal injection, cooling and solidification, and deburring treatment. The first step is mold making. The molds required for manufacturing precision castings are usually made of silicone, synthetic gypsum, or metal materials. These molds need to have highly precise shapes and dimensions to ensure the precision of the final castings. The next step is liquid metal injection, usually using methods such as pressure casting, pouring, or vacuum casting. Through these methods, liquid metal is injected into the mold and filled into the entire mold cavity. Then there is cooling solidification, which gradually cools and solidifies the liquid metal into a solid metal by controlling temperature and time. Afterwards, deburring treatment is carried out to remove burrs and defects on the surface of the casting, in order to ensure the smoothness and quality of the casting.

Quality inspection and testing methods for precision castings

Visual inspection. Visual inspection is a visual inspection of the surface of precision castings to determine the presence of defects or damage. Common visual inspection items include surface smoothness, surface flatness, and no obvious scratches or cracks on the surface. Visual inspection can be performed using a microscope, magnifying glass, or visual inspection method.

Dimensional measurement. Dimensional measurement is the measurement of the dimensions of precision castings to ensure that their geometric dimensions comply with design requirements. Common size measurement methods include straightedge measurement, caliper measurement, and coordinate measurement. Dimensions can be measured using corresponding measuring tools and equipment, such as calipers, vernier calipers, coordinate measuring instruments, etc.

Material analysis. Material analysis is the analysis of the composition and properties of materials used in precision castings to ensure their quality and reliability. Common material analysis methods include chemical analysis, spectroscopic analysis, scanning electron microscopy analysis, etc. Chemical analyzers, spectrometers, scanning electron microscopes, and other equipment can be used for material analysis.

Mechanical performance testing. Mechanical performance testing is the testing of the mechanical properties of precision castings to ensure that they meet design and usage requirements. Common mechanical performance testing items include strength testing, hardness testing, toughness testing, etc. Universal testing machines, hardness testers, impact testing machines, and other equipment can be used for mechanical performance testing.

Precision castings have a high degree of complexity and accuracy. Due to the use of molds for casting, complex and fine shapes can be produced. This is very important for some parts that require specific shapes, such as turbine blades and rocket nozzles in the aerospace field. Precision castings have high surface quality. Due to the contact between the mold and molten metal during the casting process, the surface smoothness of precision castings is relatively high, and there is almost no need for subsequent surface treatment.