Sand Casting vs. Investment Casting

Oct 6, 2015

An intricate precision cast partThere are many different kinds of casting processes that can be used to make industrial parts. It can be difficult to choose the right type of casting without understanding the comparative benefits and capabilities. For example, sand casting offers a low cost when high quality parts are not required. It can also be used to produce very large parts – over 250 pounds. Investment casting requires a somewhat higher initial expenditure, though in many cases, the long-term return on investment can be better. Investment casting produces very high quality parts that meet demanding specifications. It can accommodate a wide variety of alloys, complex geometries and thinner wall thickness. It can also produce better surface finishes. A thorough understanding of process capabilities and application requirements are necessary to get the best results.