Precision is paramount in the aerospace industry. Parts must be both strong and lightweight, and all designs must adhere to stringent standards and regulations.

Additionally, the production process must be efficient enough to meet the demanding needs of suppliers.

You may wonder, “How can high-quality parts be manufactured quickly?” The answer lies in aerospace casting.

In this article, we’ll explore a popular casting technique that plays a vital role in producing high-quality components for the aerospace industry.

Hengke Precision Metal – Aerospace Castings

What is Casting?

Casting is a manufacturing process where molten metal is poured into a mold that holds the desired shape.

The metal is then allowed to solidify. This process is highly valued for its precision and its ability to minimize material waste. Manufacturers often turn to casting for the mass production of parts that range from simple to highly complex designs, all of which must endure harsh environments and extreme pressure conditions.

Among the different casting techniques, investment casting (also known as the lost wax process) is the preferred method for producing high-precision aerospace components.

How Does Aerospace Casting Work?

Aerospace industries frequently rely on the investment casting process to manufacture intricate, thin-walled, and lightweight components. The term “investment casting” comes from the pattern being “invested” (or covered) with a refractory material. In this technique, a mold is formed around a wax pattern, which melts away, leaving a cavity to be filled with molten metal. The result is a finished part that can weigh from a few ounces to several hundred pounds.

Also called lost wax casting or precision casting, the process is known for producing high-strength castings with fine details and tight tolerances. This reduces the need for secondary machining and other finishing processes. Some of the most common aerospace casting alloys include:

• A356 & A357 Aluminum
• Inconel 600 & 625
• Hastelloy A & X Nickel-based Alloy
• 17-4 & 15-5 PH Stainless Steel
• 347 Austenitic Stainless Steel
• 410 & 421 Martensitic Stainless Steel
• Cobalt 6, Cobalt 21 & Cobalt 31 family of alloys

Benefits of Aerospace Castings

Aerospace castings come with numerous advantages, starting with the flexibility of material selection. Investment casting can be used with various alloy compositions, including aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, and nickel-based alloys. This method also allows manufacturers to create parts of intricate shapes and sizes while minimizing material waste and conserving energy.

The process enables the casting of complex parts with excellent surface finishes, greater dimensional accuracy, and no flash or parting lines. Perhaps the most significant benefit of investment casting is its ability to transform expensive, multi-part fabrications into a single-piece aerospace casting, resulting in reduced manufacturing costs and shorter delivery times.

Protecting Our Environment

Investment casting is one of the most environmentally friendly manufacturing processes available today. It’s primarily a recycling process that uses no hazardous materials and generates no hazardous waste. In aerospace casting, recycled wax is used to produce patterns, and once the wax is melted out of the ceramic molds, it is collected and reused.

While the ceramic shell material itself cannot be recycled within the investment casting process, it is classified as an inert substance, and controlled landfill disposal is not required. Waste from ceramic slurry can also be recycled for other uses, such as filler in construction projects or as an additive in concrete mixtures.

Casting Aerospace Components

A wide range of components can be produced through aerospace casting, including parts for engines and fuel systems. However, non-engine components can also be cast for various aerospace applications. For instance, cabin control systems, hydraulic systems, environmental controls, landing systems, and other internal mechanical parts are often produced using high-quality castings.

This versatility and adaptability explain why casting remains a popular manufacturing method for many aerospace applications. By delivering high-quality results at a lower cost, investment casting offers significant savings without compromising the quality and precision needed for aircraft production.

Why Choose Hengke Precision Metal for Aerospace Investment Casting?

Hengke Precision Metal is a leading provider of aerospace castings, known for its expertise in delivering high-quality precision castings to meet the exacting standards of the aerospace industry. With decades of experience, Hengke offers a comprehensive range of services, from initial part design and rapid prototyping to CNC machining, assembly, and non-destructive testing.

Key Benefits of Hengke Precision Metal

1. Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities: Hengke uses state-of-the-art technology, including rapid prototyping and precision CNC machining, to produce aerospace castings with tight tolerances and superior surface finishes.
2. Extensive Experience: With many years in the industry, Hengke has established a strong reputation for delivering high-strength, lightweight aerospace components.
3. Full Turnkey Service: Hengke’s end-to-end manufacturing services ensure that each component meets stringent aerospace standards. From design to final quality control checks, Hengke manages every step of the production process.
4. Global Reach: With a solid global presence, Hengke works with both domestic and international clients, providing high-quality aerospace castings that meet the exacting demands of the global aerospace market.
5. Sustainability: Hengke is committed to environmentally responsible manufacturing. By using recycled wax and other sustainable practices, the company minimizes waste and contributes to a greener manufacturing process.

Investment Casting for Aerospace: A Proven Solution

Hengke Precision Metal specializes in both rapid prototyping and precision castings, providing solutions for any aerospace application. With a focus on producing high-quality, mission-critical components, Hengke’s investment casting capabilities allow for faster turnaround times and reduced production costs without compromising quality.

Casting Materials at Hengke Precision Metal

The investment casting process at Hengke supports a wide range of alloys, making it suitable for various aerospace applications. Some of the materials that Hengke works with include:

• Aluminum: Lightweight and strong, ideal for aerospace applications where weight reduction is critical.
• Stainless Steel: Provides excellent strength and corrosion resistance.
• Nickel-based Alloys: Used in high-temperature applications such as engines and exhaust systems.
• Cobalt Alloys: Known for their resistance to wear and high-temperature strength.

Aerospace Components Manufactured by Hengke

At Hengke Precision Metal, the company has the capability to produce a variety of aerospace components, including but not limited to:

• Engine Parts: Turbine blades, housings, and exhaust systems.
• Landing Gear Components: Critical parts used in the deployment and retraction of landing systems.
• Fuel System Parts: Valves, pumps, and nozzles used in fuel delivery and regulation systems.
• Hydraulic Components: Parts used in control systems for actuators and landing systems.

Certifications and Quality Assurance

Hengke Precision Metal is AS 9100 and ISO 9001 certified, ensuring the highest standards of quality management.

The company also offers non-destructive testing (NDT) services, including radiographic, ultrasonic, and magnetic particle testing, to verify the integrity and performance of each casting.

Why Choose Hengke for Aerospace Castings?

Hengke’s comprehensive approach to aerospace casting includes design, production, and testing, all carried out under stringent quality control measures. By leveraging advanced technology and sustainable practices, Hengke consistently delivers high-performance, cost-effective aerospace components with the precision and reliability the industry demands.

Contact Hengke Precision Metal Today

If you are looking for an experienced and reliable partner for your aerospace casting needs, Hengke Precision Metal offers the expertise and resources to deliver.

Whether you need rapid prototypes or precision castings for large production runs, Hengke has the capabilities to meet your requirements.

Contact Hengke Precision Metal today to learn more about their casting services or to request a quote for your next aerospace project.