Investment Casting

The Challenge: Labor-Intensive Shell Removal

In the investment casting industry, removing ceramic shells is a critical yet challenging step. Traditional methods typically involve chipping away the ceramic by hand—a process that is not only tedious and labor-intensive but also risks damaging the delicate investment casting inside. For intricate casting shapes used in specialized industries, this manual approach often leads to high scrap rates and wasted time.

The NLB Solution: High-Pressure Water Jetting

NLB Corp’s high-pressure water jetting systems cuts cleanly through the hard ceramic but leaves the casting unscathed. By mounting precision nozzles on our automated waterjet systems or utilizing ergonomic hand lances, NLB provides thorough coverage and significantly higher productivity than manual chipping. These systems are powered by our industry-leading water jetting units, ensuring consistent pressure for even the toughest ceramic removal jobs.

Casting Removal Water Jetting Advantages

• Complete Shell Removal: Strip ceramic shells in minutes, not hours.
• Preserve Casting Integrity: Zero damage to valuable, high-precision castings.
• Flexible Operation: Systems can be fully automated or manually operated based on your facility’s needs.
• Enhanced Safety: The waterblast process is easier on personnel and reduces the physical strain associated with traditional manual methods.
• Ready-to-Use Solutions: Standard cabinets are available for immediate integration into your workflow.

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White Paper – Investment Casting

Industries We Serve

• Investment Casting: Our high-pressure water jetting systems remove ceramic shells and cores from precision investment casting with zero damage, even on complex geometries.
• Automotive: We streamline automotive manufacturing by using the waterblast process to quickly strip shells from engine and transmission components for immediate downstream use.
• Power Generation: NLB’s precision nozzles thoroughly clear ceramic residue from intricate cooling holes in gas and steam turbine vanes.
• Marine & Shipyard: We offer a fast, eco-friendly alternative to abrasive blasting for removing shells from heavy-duty propulsion and underwater casting hardware.
• Chemical & Plastic Manufacturing: Our systems clean high-tolerance castings used in reactors and piping, ensuring the waterblast process leaves parts residue-free for critical chemical environments.
• Industrial Cleaning: Beyond casting removal, NLB water jetting units provide the power needed for heavy-duty facility maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Precision Investment Casting

How does the waterblast process improve investment casting?

The high-pressure waterblast process strips ceramic shells in minutes without damaging the metal. For those not ready for a permanent install, these capabilities are also available through our water jet rental program.

Can NLB systems handle complex precision investment castings?

Yes. By using precision nozzles and automated waterjet systems, our equipment easily navigates intricate forms that are difficult to reach by hand.

Is water jetting safe for delicate parts?

Absolutely. Water jetting is non-destructive to the casting itself, removing only the ceramic shell while preserving the integrity of the finished part.