Abstract:
In the manufacturing of ball valve, which requires corrosion resistance and long service life
enabling the production with high efficiency, there has been some studies to achieve its forming
method for high durability and designated smooth surface. The process of investment casting is also
known as “lost wax casting”, is one of casting methods to fabricate metal part with a complex shape.
Flow behavior of stainless steel grade 304 at the temperature higher than 1550°C is a critical factor
in casting mold design of the lost wax process. Non-desired heat transfer phenomena and using of
the unsuitable mold design normally lead to defects in casting such as misrun, cold shut, shrinkage,
pin hole and porosity. Parameters in casting such as pouring temperature, preheating temperature,
pouring time, pouring rate and cooling rate were given by the current production condition. This
paper deals with defect free investment casting of SS304 ball valve.
