Shaped Functional Structural Parts
Non standard shapes with built in function
What This Part Is And Why It Is Made This Way
Some parts are not brackets, housings or shafts — they are one off shapes that do a specific job, often with internal passages or pockets that no standard process produces. These are the parts precision casting was invented for.
Shaped functional structures are cast by the silica sol lost wax process, which forms internal features directly rather than requiring them to be machined in.
What You Get From This Route
Internal passages and pockets formed directly in the casting.
No tooling compromise: the wax pattern can carry any shape the design needs.
Applications across engineering machinery, connectors and formed structural parts.
Application Scenarios
- Manifolds and internal passage parts
- Functional structural components
- Special purpose equipment parts
- Non standard connection structures
Who It Is For
- Designers whose part does not fit a standard process
- Equipment builders with proprietary functional parts
- Engineering teams developing a new component
Technical Features
- Silica sol lost wax process
- Internal features formed in the casting
- Applications: engineering machinery parts, shaped functional structures
- CT5 - CT9 with Ra 3.2 - Ra 6.3
What Buyers Run Into Without This Specification
- Internal passages have to be drilled and plugged, which leaks.
- The shape cannot be produced by machining or fabrication at a sensible price.
- Prototype and production parts come from different processes and do not match.
Published Material Weight And Process Data
Figures below are the published capability for precision casting. Part specific values — tolerance on individual features, finish, packing — are confirmed at drawing review and marked TBC until then.
| Material | 1.4304 / 1.4308 / ASTM 8620 / 2Cr13 / 20Mn5 / 42CrMo4 / S355 |
|---|---|
| Weight Range | 0.01 kg - 300 kg |
| Process | Silica sol lost wax process |
| Tolerance Grade | CT5 - CT9 |
| Surface Roughness | Ra 3.2 - Ra 6.3 |
| Size Range | 2 mm - 2000 mm |
| Quick-Drying Route | 1 kg - 80 kg in G20Mn5+N / S355 / 42CrMo4 / G26CrMo4+QT1 / S690QL / GE300 |
| Part Specific Tolerance | TBC — confirmed against the customer drawing |
| Minimum Order Quantity | TBC — depends on the process route selected |
| Lead Time | TBC — confirmed with the production base at quotation |
How The Part Is Made And Checked
- Merged Scope — The precision casting scope now includes the former investment casting business, so one route covers both silica sol lost wax and quick-drying investment casting.
- Application Fit — Parts where appearance, assembly and dimensional consistency are demanding.
- Materials Covered — Carbon steel, low alloy steel, stainless steel and quenched and tempered grades.
Quality management is based on ISO 9001 and covers supplier management, raw material inspection, production process control and final inspection. Inspection results are archived and traceable.
Options And Alternatives
Parts are produced to the customer drawing rather than to a fixed catalogue item, so material grade, machining scope, surface treatment and packing are all specified per order. Machining, dimensional control, surface treatment and necessary pre-assembly can be added to the same supply route.
Where another process family would suit the part better — for example a forging in place of a casting for a shock loaded connector — that comparison is raised during drawing review rather than after tooling is committed.
How To Specify This Part
Share the function, not only the geometry. Knowing what a passage or pocket is for often allows the process route to be simplified, and that conversation belongs in the drawing review stage.
- Send the drawing with material, quantity, quality standard and target delivery date.
- State the inspection class and the zones it applies to, rather than a general note.
- Confirm the packing requirement and the lifting equipment available at the destination.
Related Guides
Other Parts In This Range
Thin Wall and Curved Components
Light sections and swept profiles
View specifications
Lifting and Connection Components
Eyes, links and load carrying connectors
View specifications
Shaft and Operating Components
Levers, spindles and actuating parts
View specifications
Inspection and Assembly Components
Parts qualified on the measuring machine
View specificationsShaped Functional Structural Parts — Frequently Asked Questions
Can internal passages be cast rather than drilled?
The silica sol lost wax process forms complex internal features directly, which is one of the main reasons it is selected for functional structural parts.
Is the same process used for prototypes and production?
Yes, which keeps prototype and production parts consistent. Rapid pattern making and 3D printed metal parts are also available for fast development.
What do you need to prepare a quotation?
Drawings, material, quantity, quality standard and target delivery date.
Which inspection is included?
The inspection scope is agreed during drawing review. Carbon steel, low alloy steel, stainless steel and quenched and tempered grades.
Get A Quotation For Shaped Functional Structural Parts
Send the drawing and the application. We will confirm the process route, the production base and the inspection scope before quoting.