Investment casting, also known as lost wax casting, is a precision manufacturing process used to produce complex metal parts with excellent surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
A wax replica of the desired part is made.
Multiple wax patterns may be joined to form a tree-like structure.
The wax pattern is repeatedly dipped into ceramic slurry and coated with fine sand to build a hard shell.
The shell is heated to melt and drain out the wax, leaving a hollow ceramic mold.
Molten metal is poured into the mold.
Once solidified, the ceramic shell is broken away to reveal the cast part.
The part is cleaned, cut from the tree, and finished as needed.
Investment casting is widely used in industries where precision and complexity are critical:
Aerospace: turbine blades, structural components
Medical: surgical tools, implants
Automotive: engine parts, transmission components
Defense: firearm components, military hardware
Art and jewelry: intricate designs and sculptures
High dimensional accuracy and excellent surface finish
Ideal for complex geometries and thin-walled components
Supports a wide range of metals: steel, aluminum, bronze, titanium
Minimal machining required post-casting
Higher cost and longer lead time compared to sand casting
Size limitations due to mold strength and handling
Not ideal for very large parts