CIC has invested in the most up to date production, process control, measurement and testing equipment to ensure product quality and consistency. CIC has proven its capability by successfully producing some of the largest and most complex blades and vanes for aerospace and IGT.
Ceramic cores are manufactured by medium pressure injection moulding. This gives an extremely dimensionally accurate and
consistent product. CIC material shrinkage can be fine tuned to suit customers’ existing tools.
CIC can offer a full tooling package and engineering support. The medium pressure process combined with CIC’s unique binder
system results in very low tool wear rates – lifetimes of 50,000 to 100,000 for hardened steel tools are normal depending on
geometry.
CIC has a range of press sizes suitable for cores ranging from a few grams to over 10 kg.
CIC’s core bodies are exceptionally stable and high tolerances can be maintained with minimal split lines, less dressing and flash. For the most complex cores prone to distortion during firing, reforming techniques and/or core setter technology can be utilised.
CIC’s kiln firings are operated with sophisticated cycle controllers; firing cycles are monitored by chart recorders as well as Buller’s rings in every kiln load.
Cores are hand finished and where appropriate, cores are CNC finished on-site, giving benefits of accuracy, consistency and efficiency. Cores can then be wax prepped, if required.
The videos shown above demonstrate CIC's CNC finishing.
Cores can be strengthened if required with either urea or phenolic resin. Dependent on core geometry/cross section, strengths can typically be improved by a factor of 2 to 4 times.
Coatings can be applied to cores, where suitable, to eliminate surface reaction with certain alloys.