Dewaxing Autoclaves
Autoclaves
TSB Energy wax removal autoclave: for investment casting, up to 1,600 mm ID, 3 m length, and 10 bar. Fast start-up and uniform heat for safe, efficient production.
Design and manufacturing in accordance with 2014/68/EU (PED), ASME Section VIII Div. 1 (U & S), and EAC (GOST) standards.
- Fatigue analysis allowing 25,000 cycles at maximum operating pressure.
- Working envelope: up to 1.6 m ID and 3 m length.
- State-of-the-art hardware & software for flawless process control.
- High-grade thermal insulation for maximum heat savings and tight temperature control.
- Top-tier safety design and durability across design and manufacturing.
- Turnkey solution: single-piece autoclave with integrated steam boiler, steam pressurization in 3 s.
- Recipe control & reporting.
- Patented door safety system: engages mechanically below 0.1 bar and cannot be opened mechanically until pressure is fully released.
- Custom design to customer requirements.
- Years of experience in industrial/commercial autoclave technology.
- Low-cost, easy-to-replace, long-life gasket.
- User-friendly HMI via the TSB Energy control system.
- Operator prompts to open the vent valve and safety lever before door opening.
- Interlocks: autoclave pressurization only starts after confirmation from the door locking mechanisms.
- High process reliability with remote control capability.
- Zero emissions with electric steam generation—no COx, NOx, or SOx.
- Tailored software revisions by our expert team.
- Integration & communications: optional PLC with Modbus, Profibus, etc., enabling integration with any industrial process.
About TSB ENERGY With university-supported R&D, we supply wax removal autoclaves and machines for high-quality investment casting, using an autoclave unit integrated into an electric steam boiler and proprietary software to deliver direct steam energy as the heat input.
Working Principle – Wax Removal Autoclave
In investment casting, the autoclave removes wax from molds without damaging the shells by applying direct steam energy with an instant pressure and heat input. The key is to let the wax expand and melt without stressing the mold; therefore, pressure equalization must be achieved within 3 s. After equalization, the wax melts at constant pressure within 10–15 minutes. To prevent shell cracking, a controlled pressure release is applied. The molten wax is discharged from the lower sump at approximately 1–1.5 bar, completing the process.
Design:
All our wax removal autoclaves are designed and manufactured in horizontal construction in accordance with EN 13445, AD-2000 Merkblatt, Lloyd’s Rules, TRD, DIN, EN, PED 2014/68/EU and ASME Section VIII Div. 1. Door options include manual or hydraulic-pneumatic lever types, with side-opening or top-opening configurations. All electrical components are UL-labeled and wired to comply with the National Electrical Code.
“3 s to 6 bar” Technology:
The TSB ENERGY AC-SB autoclave consists of an autoclave shell integrated into the steam generator. The critical point is bringing the autoclave shell to steam temperature before steam admission, so that no sudden condensation or pressure drop occurs when steam is introduced—allowing pressurization to 6 bar in 3 seconds.
Door Mechanisms & Quality:
High-load door clamping jaws/segments are inspected before assembly with capillary-crack (ultrasonic) tests and fatigue analyses to verify the jaw teeth. On request, door opening/closing kinematics are custom-designed to suit the customer’s layout.
Delivery Concept:
Our wax removal autoclaves are supplied as a compact, ready-to-run unit on a single skid, integrated with the electric steam boiler. The only requirement is to connect electrical power.
TSB ENERGY autoclaves are designed to save you money not only at purchase—but especially in operation.
Ease of Use & Maintenance:
User-friendly controls and easy access to components simplify operation and maintenance, minimizing downtime and operating costs. One-button start, automatic self-checks with protective shutdowns, and an HMI that provides usage-based maintenance prompts make operation safe and intuitive. With advanced remote connection options, our technical service can provide rapid support worldwide.
All safety devices are monitored by the PLC. In alarm conditions, the required interlocks are enforced. The autoclave is operated via HMI; active and historical alarms are viewable on the same HMI. Run/Alarm signals are available as dry contacts for other systems. Remote data collection and status are available via Modbus, Modbus TCP/IP, and PROFINET.
Commissioning is performed on site by our expert engineers with full-day, hands-on training supported by documentation.
Safety:
Safety and standards are our top priority. Our wax removal autoclaves feature over-pressure and over-temperature protection, front-door interlocking with RFID-enabled sensors, Pilz safety relays for risk mitigation, a mechanical front-door lock, and emergency boiler shutdown mechanisms.
Materials:
Shells and dished ends are selected per service conditions and manufactured from P355GH boiler plate to EN 10028-2; nozzle pipes are P235GH seamless boiler tubes to EN 10216-2; door ring/“jaws” are produced from P355NH forged steel (hot-rolled rings).
Efficiency:
Thanks to automatic valve control, unnecessary heat input is avoided. The entire structure—including front and rear doors—is insulated with 100 mm ceramic wool (rated 1260 °C, density 128 kg/m³), minimizing heat loss.
Eco-Design:
Powered by zero-emission electric steam boilers, our wax removal autoclaves help reduce your carbon footprint and support carbon-neutral goals.
Customization:
We know every plant and process is unique. With hundreds of proven references, we tailor our equipment to your process based on detailed analysis. Designing and manufacturing wax removal autoclaves—and providing the engineering and personnel for a successful installation—require exceptional expertise. With us, you receive not only an autoclave but also the benefit of years of know-how. For any questions, feel free to request individual expert consulting.
Options per Autoclave/Unit
- University-backed R&D with AI-assisted automation and control
- Very high efficiency and low emissions
- Micro-modulation as standard
- Simple, low-cost maintenance
- Robust design for very long service life
What Is a Wax Removal Autoclave?
A pressure vessel that removes wax from ceramic shells using rapid steam input, melting and evacuating wax without damaging the molds.
When Is It Used?
In investment casting, to melt and remove the wax pattern inside ceramic molds with steam and temperature—before the shells fully harden—so the shells are not damaged. It is a critical step in preparing precision cast parts. The autoclave operates with saturated steam pressure, ensuring clean removal without residue or harm to the mold structure.
Applications
- Aerospace & Defense: lightweight, durable components for engines, turbines, and structures
- Automotive: high-performance parts such as engine components, gears, suspension pieces
- Medical devices: implants, surgical tools, prosthetics
- Energy sector: components for turbines, pumps, valves
- Industrial machinery: complex parts for pumps, compressors, heavy machinery
- Marine: precision components like propellers, valves, engine parts
- Luxury jewelry: intricate designs with fine detail
- Firearms & defense equipment: durable, high-precision metal parts