With the rapid advances in computer printing technology, some manufacturers are asking if they should utilize investment casting or 3D printing to produce their parts. While 3D printing can be an excellent choice for rapid prototyping, it cannot produce parts with the quality and performance of investment casting. It falls short in many areas, from surface finish, porosity, and inconsistency to very limited alloy choices compared to investment casting. Perhaps some day it will be on par with investment casting, but that is a long way off.
