The global manufacturing industry accounts for one-third of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with high-emitting sectors like iron and steel industries being significant contributors, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Investment casting, a precision casting process used to fabricate intricate and complex metal parts, also involves high GHG emissions. It is crucial for modern investment casting foundries to address these sources of emissions.
Carbon Emissions In Manufacturing
The primary sources of carbon emissions in the investment casting process include:
- Electricity Consumption: Machines, electric furnaces, equipment, and lighting powered by electricity are the main contributors, generally accounting for 60% of total carbon emissions.
- Fuel Combustion: Generators using fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas in a factory typically account for 15% of total carbon emissions.
- Process Emissions: By-products of chemical reactions, such as passivation, pickling, and surface treatment, account for 15% of total carbon emissions.
- Transportation Emissions: Emissions from transporting raw materials, finished products, and employee commuting usually account for 5% of total carbon emissions.
- Other Ancillary Emissions: This category includes HVAC systems, waste disposal, and the maintenance and repair of factory facilities, typically accounting for 5% of total carbon emissions.
These emission sources are major drivers for typical factories in the investment casting industry and are closely linked to corporate sustainability management.
Sustainable Investment Casting
Sustainability has become a corporate imperative for companies to maintain a competitive edge. The investment casting industry faces significant challenges as global environmental sustainability awareness increases. Decarbonizing foundries is the ultimate goal, shaping the future for green investment casting foundries. Achieving this requires a comprehensive strategy that includes exercising renewable energy sources, optimizing energy efficiency, and implementing innovative process improvements.
Learn more about Waterson casting emission here.
Decarbonization in Investment Casting
Additionally, investment casting companies must employ a circular economy approach, emphasizing recycling, waste minimization, and resource conservation. By adopting sustainable practices, the investment casting industry not only contributes to reducing global GHG emissions but also enhances its competitiveness, attracts environmentally conscious clients, and secures long-term profitability in a rapid market. The transition to green investment casting foundries is not just an environmental necessity but a strategic business opportunity, ensuring resilience and growth in a sustainable future.
Waterson Targeting for Investment Casting Decarbonization
Waterson Casting specializes in precision stainless steel investment casting with high-quality components for industries like door hardware, petrochemical, and medical. We offer integrated design and manufacturing with a focus on ESG practices, ensuring guaranteed product stability.
The processes include Design and Manufacture Molds, Wax Pattern Production, Wax Patterns Assembly, Mold Flow Analysis, Shell Building, Dewaxing, Molten Metal Pouring, Shell Removal, Casting Cleaning, Heat Treatment, Machining, and Surface Treatment. Our expertise provides commercial-use 304 (CF8), marine-grade 316 (CF8M), and high-strength 17-4, with exceptional weldability and corrosion resistance. See our Investment Casting Process here.
