08-10-2014, 12:02 PM
Abstracts: Investment casting is known for economical production of complex parts from metals with extremely smooth surface and high tolerances. Its application varies from medical equipments to airplane parts. However, this industry, like most modern manufacturing techniques is facing new competition from new technologies. And the current processes involved in the investment casting causes higher development lead time and as a result of which causes higher production costs. One needs to look at the ways to improve the processes and hence improve throughput while incurring less cost. As we know that automation has changed the world, the same can be applied to investment casting process and see fascinating results. The use of robots in the shell area has increased thoroughly while reducing the dependency on human labor to dip the shell sand. Leading robotics companies like ABB robotics with the help of other leaders in digital technology are working to apply the automation in the investment casting processes. The results are clearly showcases very high reduction in lead time. The key factor is to apply automation from very basic step till the end, i.e. from wax room to finishing operation. Our project deals with the analyzing of investment casting process and converting the conventional methods to automatic one. In addition, Automation have proved to be a cost-effective and time efficient approach for investment casting process, thereby ensuring possibility for technology transfer in Indian manufacturing industries.