RFQ - Copper investment casting

[NeoMoses]

I have a need to make some parts, and I believe investment casting may be cheaper than the current method (CNC machining).

Is it possible to get a rough estimate of casting price, such as $/lb. ? I'm looking for about 25-50 pieces, and each piece is about 0.2 pounds, so in total I'm guessing I'll need about 5 pounds of copper, plus whatever is necessary for gates/runners. I will provide at least the initial wax master, and could possibly provide all of the wax if you are not interested in making a mold for this small of a run.

These parts are heat exchangers, so the copper must be a pure grade, 99.9% (or higher) purity. I'm currently using C11000 for the machined parts.

If interested, please email me.

[fastolds]

I wouldn't rule out machining until you get a quote. You would be surprised at the difference in a mold compared to machining. www.hobbymachine.net

[NeoMoses]

Since the current method is machining, it's definitely not ruled out. I'm looking at finding a less expensive method, if there is one.

[fastolds]

I could quote doing the machining since I am a smaller shop.

[caitolly]

Sorry all, didn't mean to post my business flyer.
I,m a newbie
caitolly

[NeoMoses]

Hi Richard,
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[caitolly]

I work directly with a casting house.
send the particulars and I will run it by them.
We work well together, they will certianly be fair, and if you supply the wax, could be the way to go, money wise.
It's not all science, it's art.
caitolly

[JFettig]

Bryan, there have been several people who have tried casting Cu heat exchangers without a lot of luck, you almost always end up with having to machine them to some extent after the casting, plus copper is one of the worst metals to cast. Roscal(another forum, you should remember him) casted like 50-300 cant remember exactly how many and he said it was very difficult and wasnt really worth it.

Jon