Investment casting is an advanced metalforming process used to produce metal parts of the highest quality, functionality and cost-effectiveness. Investment casting is a one-to-one process in which one disposable pattern produces one metal part. When combined with modern production knowledge and technologies, investment casting can be applied to produce parts of varying degrees of complexity, in virtually any volume and for the broadest possible spectrum of applications.

Is investment casting an expensive process?

A highly versatile casting process, investment casting has for some time been perceived as a comparatively expensive process. But when compared to alternative processes which require extensive welding or machining, an investment cast component can often dramatically reduce overall part production costs.

What is the history behind investment casting?

Investment casting, which is also known as the "lost wax investment casting " process, traces its roots to the Sang Dynasty in China from 1766 B.C. to 1122 B.C. The method was brought into modern industrial use when American manufacturers applied investment casting to make high quality military parts during World War II. It was found practical for many wartime needs - and during the postwar period it expanded into many non-aircraft applications. Today, investment casting is recognized and used worldwide as a technique for producing close-tolerance metal parts at highly competitive costs.

Investment casting when performed by experienced and knowledgeable casting specialists:

• Allows greater design freedom for very simple to highly complex parts
• Provides superior repeatability
• Can utilize a wide variety of alloys
• Yields lighter, stronger metal parts with superior finishes
• Reduces labor, tooling and machining costs
• Allows very rapid prototype development

Of course, investment casting is not the appropriate process for every metal part requirement. However, for many challenging part applications, investment casting offers a proven and cost-effective metalforming solution.