Manufacturing Automated Shelling Lines for Investment Casting

For investment casting foundries seeking to automate shellroom operations, we have engineered a portfolio of shellroom solutions designed to convert conventional shell‑making into a controlled, repeatable and efficient process. Our automated shelling systems for ceramic shell coating to shell drying are designed in-house by our systems design team to suit your shellroom operations and casting needs.

IC-Series Robots 

Our Shellmaker System is built around the use of our IC-Series Robot, designed specifically for the rigorous process of lost wax casting. These robots form the core of our shelling robotic system, enabling precise automated shell dipping, shell coating, and shell building of complex wax pattern geometries.

Our IC-series robots use an advanced link design to eliminate the need for an unwieldy counterweight, reducing turning radii and shrinking side-to-side clearance. An ultra high-torque wrist holds the hanger assembly firmly and smoothly irrespective of the hanger orientation. This provides efficient manipulation of the shells within the slurry tanks and sanders. A digital drive technology provides smooth, reliable operation. As a result, complex-shaped shells can be easily and effectively dipped and stucco-coated. Additionally, if an optional slurry level control is fitted, the IC-series robot can precisely adapt the dip height to varying slurry levels.

Shelling Lines

VA Technology shellroom systems are engineered to support every stage of shell building, ensuring consistent performance and high-quality results throughout the investment casting process.

1. Pattern Washing
   Pattern wash, rinse, and air blow off tanks are built to suit specific shell sizes.
2. Ceramic Slurry Dipping
   Options include HD Series slurry tanks and compact DD Series slurry tanks.
3. Stucco Application
   Rotary or vertical rainfall sanders and fluidised beds are available, along with optional equipment such as stucco elevators, sand hoists and stucco silos. Dust extraction systems are incorporated for clean/safe operation.
4. Shell Drying
   Every shellroom is designed with a controlled drying room, or rapid drying systems using integrated humidity control systems, temperature control systems and airflow management systems. IC-Lift trolleys are available to assist with shell handling.
5. Repeatability and Automation
   IC‑series robots are programmed to match specific process requirements and provide continuous operation.

Foundries using VA Technology equipment commonly report improvements such as increased throughput, reduced shell defects, lower material waste, and more consistent results. Automated shelling lines can also reduce manual handling and associated risks. Many facilities have transitioned from manual to entirely automated shell building with support from the company’s engineering and support teams. This typically includes project planning, installation, commissioning and ongoing technical support.