ZCZH, a China-based industrial 3D printing company, needed a more efficient and flexible approach to wax pattern production for investment casting. By integrating XAAR’s Nitrox printheads into its wax-jetting system, the company has enabled a fully digital additive manufacturing process. This approach reduces lead times from days to hours, improves accuracy and supports small-batch, complex production, helping casting manufacturers modernise workflows and increase production agility. ZCZH is an industrial 3D printing specialist developing advanced manufacturing systems for precision applications. The company focuses on delivering digital production technologies that replace traditional, labour-intensive processes. Its solutions are designed for sectors such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices and industrial equipment, where precision, repeatability and operational efficiency are vital.
Wax pattern production is a critical stage in investment casting, directly impacting accuracy, surface quality and efficiency. Traditional methods rely on manual engraving and tooling, which are time-consuming and difficult to modify, particularly for complex or low-volume parts. As demand grows for faster product development and increased design flexibility, casting manufacturers require more agile production methods. ZCZH set out to digitise wax pattern production, replacing conventional workflows with an additive manufacturing approach. The goal was to enable rapid iteration, reduce dependency on tooling and support small-batch, high-complexity production while maintaining the precision required for industrial casting applications. ZCZH developed a wax-jetting 3D printing system powered by XAAR’s Nitrox printheads. At the core of the solution is inkjet-based deposition of wax materials, supported by TF Technology and the SureFlow fluid management system. These technologies enable continuous ink recirculation behind the nozzles, preventing sedimentation and reducing clogging risks, which is essential for reliable wax jetting.