Blog

Precision in Every Detail: The Role of Wax Patterns in Investment Casting

May 3rd, 2024

Wax patterns are the heart of the investment casting process. With a good quality pattern and precise control over the casting process, the metal part will probably be good too. Conversely, any defects in the wax will carry over to

Optimizing Investment Casting Parameters for Enhanced Product Quality

April 9th, 2024

Investment casting is used for parts that need high accuracy, excellent surface finish and fine detail. Achieving durability and performance goals requires these parts to be free from surface and internal defects. This blog explains the parameters we focus on

The Role of 3D Printing in Investment Casting

March 5th, 2024

Investment casting yields accurate metal parts with detailed features, thin walls and smooth surfaces. This is achieved by using wax patterns that replicate the part being made. These patterns can now be made by 3D printing, which saves time and

Materials Matter: Choosing the Right Alloy for Investment Casting

January 30th, 2024

Investment casting works well for complex parts with fine features. Being near-net shape, it minimizes secondary machining, which can lower costs and reduce lead time. It’s not ideal for all metal alloys though. This blog discusses what’s involved in choosing

Applications of Gas Turbine Nozzle Assemblies in Power Generation and Aerospace

October 30th, 2023

Gas turbines are deployed on the ground and in the air. The two use cases are very different, yet the fundamentals remain the same: a continuous combustion process generates thrust and rotary motion. Impro is a leader in parts for

Material Selection for Gas Turbine Nozzle Assemblies

September 19th, 2023

Not many alloys can survive in the environment downstream of the combustion chamber in a gas turbine engine. It’s too hot, forces are high, the gases are extremely corrosive and they’re flowing quickly. Together, these factors make material selection one

Manufacturing Techniques for Gas Turbine Nozzle Assemblies

September 12th, 2023

In a gas turbine engine the nozzle assembly comes just after the combustion chamber. It directs fast moving gasses onto the turbine blades that generate the rotary motion needed for power generation. It’s a complex piece of engineering, produced in

17-4 Stainless Steel Investment Casting and its Applications

September 5th, 2023

Stainless steel is produced in a large number of grades that have austenitic, ferritic or martensitic structures. 17-4 is a martensitic grade that can be precipitation hardened, (leading to the 17-4 PH designation). It’s often investment cast and is a

Thin-Walled Investment Casting and its Applications

August 29th, 2023

Wall thickness refers to the distance between opposite sides or surfaces of a solid metal cast region. In a part like a cover the wall thickness is the distance between inner and outer surfaces. Thin walls are difficult to cast,

Manufacturing Combustion Parts for Aircraft Engine and APU Applications

August 21st, 2023

The heart of the axial flow turbine engine is the combustion chamber. This is where fuel and air are mixed and ignited, with air velocity determining how far through the chamber the flame front extends. Parts used in the combustion

Stainless Steel Investment Casting and Its Aerospace Applications

August 21st, 2023

Stainless steel is preferred for many aircraft engine, structural, fuel and hydraulic system applications. Providing a combination of strength and corrosion-resistance, it supports weight reduction goals and facilitates factors of safety of 1.5. Part mass is minimized by investment casting.

Understanding the Design and Engineering of Gas Turbine Nozzle Assemblies

August 18th, 2023

Gas turbine nozzle components are some of the most highly engineered parts manufactured anywhere. They need to survive high temperatures, corrosive atmospheres, vibration and centrifugal forces, and the challenges are growing as gas turbine manufacturers push for higher temperatures and