While the processes utilize similar manufacturing techniques, there are meaningful differences between investment and die casting. Here are three of them:
- Die casting can only be used for non-ferrous metals, while investment casting can be used for both ferrous and non-ferrous alloys.
- In investment casting, production dies are single-use ceramic molds that are broken off the casting after cooling. Die casting molds are reusable.
- Parts made with investment casting typically require little or no finishing and machining work. Die cast parts usually require post-casting processing.
As a general rule, investment casting is best used when high-precision, complex, top-quality parts are required.
