Centrifugal and investment casting are two different processes utilized for making near-net-shape, high-quality components. The key difference is that investment casting relies on gravity to flow the molten alloy throughout the mold, while centrifugal casting employs a rapidly spinning mold, utilizing centrifugal force to distribute the alloy. There are some limitations to centrifugal casting that are not an issue with investment casting.
Vertical centrifugal castings are typically limited to a 2:1 length-to-diameter ratio. Exceeding this ratio can result in uneven wall thickness when there is insufficient centrifugal force. In addition, irregular-shaped parts can require more costly specialized molds. Also, small inside diameter parts require very high rpms to achieve the necessary centrifugal force, which complicates the production process. In many cases, investment casting is a superior, more manageable process for an array of components and applications.