Water glass and silica sol investment casting are the two primary investment casting methods currently in use. The process of silica sol casting is almost the same as water glass casting.
The main differences are the surface roughness and cost of casting. Water glass method dewaxes into the high-temperature water, and the ceramic mould is made of water glass quartz sand. Silica sol method dewaxes into the flash fire, and silica sol zircon sand makes the ceramic mould. Silica sol method costs more but has the better surface than the water glass method.
Below are the main differences between solica sol casting and water glass casting.
Process | Silica sol casting | Water glass casting |
Size tolerances | CT5-6 | CT7-8 |
Machining | No or less machining | More machining |
Material | Stainless steel | Carbon steel & alloy steel |
Cost | high | Low |
Silica Sol Investment Casting
Water glass investment Casting