SBV Steel Technology:
Your comprehensive partner for water glass casting
Water glass in the investment casting process
Many components require complex geometries that make other processes costly. The water glass process in investment casting combines dimensional accuracy with lower costs for all series sizes. SBV Steel Technology examines every project technically and delivers components that meet both design and budget requirements.
What is behind the water glass process?
The water glass process is part of investment casting and combines the design freedom of investment casting with higher dimensional accuracy. It is based on a model that is coated layer by layer with a mixture of quartz sand and sodium silicate (water glass). Each layer hardens individually and increases the stability of the mold. This creates a robust shell that withstands high temperatures.
After curing, liquid metal flows into the mold and fills all contours down to fine transitions and cavities. The result is components with a fine surface, sharp edges, and tolerances like classic investment casting. At the same time, the process reduces costs because shell production with coarser sands is more cost-effective than ceramic investment casting.
How the water glass process works
Model creation and shell construction
First, a model is created that specifies the exact geometry of the component. We encase this model layer by layer with water glass-bound sand until a stable shell is built.
Curing the shell
The coated mold cures evenly through chemical reactions and drying. This creates a solid structure that withstands the high temperatures of casting.
Removing the model
After curing, we remove the original model from the shell. The negative mold remains fully intact and replicates even the finest contours of the component.
Casting with metal
Liquid steel, stainless steel, or aluminum flows into the cured mold. The high stability of the shell ensures that the caster fills even complex cavities and details completely.
Demolding and finishing
Once the component has cooled down, we break off the shell and remove the cast part. We then cut off the sprues and perform surface treatments if necessary.
Advantages of the water glass process
Dimensional accuracy
The process achieves tolerances that are significantly tighter than sand casting. This allows many components to be directly used in assemblies. Customers save on rework and receive functional parts without additional processing steps.
Robust components from demanding materials
Water glass molds withstand high temperatures and are suitable for heat-resistant steels and special alloys. This results in components that remain stable even under thermal or mechanical stress. For applications in energy or automotive technology, the process offers a durable solution.
Cost-effective production for medium quantities
Shell production is cheaper than ceramic processes. The process bridges the gap between expensive investment casting and imprecise sand casting.
Design freedom for complex geometries
The process allows the implementation of cavities, undercuts, and fine transitions. Designers can map functions directly into the casting instead of laboriously assembling them afterward. This reduces processing effort and enhances the functionality of the parts.
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Water glass compared to other methods
Process | Advantages | Disadvantages | Typical applications |
Water glass casting | Good dimensional accuracy, cost-effective for quantities, form flexible | Less precise than ceramic investment casting, limited surface quality | Mechanical engineering, vehicle parts, energy technology |
(Wax) Investment casting | Very high accuracy, fine details, fine surface | Higher costs, longer production process | Medical technology, precision parts, valve technology |
Die casting | High dimensional accuracy, fast series production, short cycles | Worthwhile for all series, limited material selection | Automotive, electrical engineering, mass production |
Sand casting | Inexpensive, flexible for single pieces and large components | Low dimensional accuracy, laborious rework | Prototypes, large castings, small series |
Why SBV Steel Technology is your partner for water glass
Project planning security
We review drawings and 3D data in advance and provide specific feedback on feasibility. This allows you to determine early if your component makes sense with water glass casting. It gives you certainty in terms of costs, material choice, and time planning.
Ready-to-assemble cast parts
We deliver parts that can be used in your assemblies without additional rework. With tight tolerances and controlled surfaces, you save processing steps in production. This boosts your processes’ productivity and ensures stable operations.
European contact despite production in Asia
Our partners manufacture in Asia, but you have a fixed contact person in Germany. We manage projects directly, quickly address technical questions, and handle communication with production. This reduces risks and provides clear project management.
Technical consultation with a holistic view
We view each project holistically and compare water glass with other processes. If another process fits better, we point it out. This ensures you get a solution that fits technically and economically to your project.
Applications of the water glass process
The water glass process is particularly suitable for the cost-effective production of complex geometries in medium series. It bridges the gap between classic sand casting and high-precision investment casting.
Vehicle construction and rail
Structural parts with high strength
Mechanical engineering
Housings, carrier parts, brackets
Medical technology
Stainless steel components with hygienic surfaces
Energy technology
Components with temperature and media resistance
Sanitary technology
Functional parts with smooth transitions
Want to check if your component is suitable for water glass investment casting?
Send us your drawings or 3D data. We analyze your project and give you a clear recommendation.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the water glass process
How does water glass casting differ from traditional sand casting?
In water glass casting, sodium silicate stabilizes the sand mold. This achieves tighter tolerances and better surfaces. Customers benefit from shorter reworking and ready-to-install parts.
When is the water glass process particularly worthwhile?
It is suitable for medium quantities of about 50 to 500 pieces. In this range, sand casting is too imprecise and precision casting too expensive. The process offers the best ratio of cost and dimensional accuracy here.
Which materials can be processed with water glass casting?
Typical materials are stainless steel and heat-resistant steels. Corrosion-resistant alloys are also possible. Thus, the process covers many requirements from energy, sanitary, and vehicle technology.