Nærnetformstøbning

Nærnetformstøbning, also known as near-net-shape casting, is a manufacturing process that aims to produce a cast part very close to its final desired dimensions and shape. This significantly reduces or eliminates the need for subsequent machining operations, saving time, material, and labor. The core principle is to control the casting process, including mold design, material flow, and cooling, to achieve a high degree of dimensional accuracy and surface finish directly from the mold.

The advantages of near-net-shape casting include reduced material waste, as less material needs to be machined away. It also leads to lower manufacturing costs due to decreased machining time and the elimination of some machining steps. Furthermore, the process can be beneficial for casting parts made from hard-to-machine materials, as it minimizes the amount of machining required. The resulting parts can also exhibit improved mechanical properties due to the controlled solidification process inherent in these techniques.

Various casting methods can be adapted for near-net-shape production. These include investment casting, die casting, permanent mold casting, and some forms of sand casting with sophisticated mold designs. The choice of method depends on factors such as the material being cast, the complexity of the part, the required tolerances, and the production volume. Achieving near-net-shape often involves precise mold temperature control, specialized gating and feeding systems, and careful selection of casting alloys.