FAQ

What is investment casting?

Investment casting is a manufacturing process in which molten alloy is poured into ceramic molds that produce near-net-shape parts. The molds are broken off of the cooled casting, which are then finished, tested and delivered to the customer. Read more about the investment casting process.

What applications are best for investment casting?

Investment casting is excellent for a wide variety of parts, industries, alloys and sizes. Its near-net-size parts are extremely precise and require minimal finishing and fine-tuning work. PPCP casts a vast array of diverse parts for industries that use valves, process equipment and controls, pumping equipment, oil & gas machinery, compressors or many others.

What are the advantages and benefits of investment casting?

Investment casting offers many benefits, from flexible sizes, numerous specialized alloys and the ability to meet precise specifications to lower startup tooling cost, less waste, shorter process time and an overall better return on investment. Read more.

What alloys does PPCP use in its castings?

In addition to steel, PPCP can produce castings from an extensive list of alloys in these and other categories:

Stainless Steel
High-Temp Stainless Steel
Carbon Steel
Low-Alloy Steel
Duplex Alloys
Precipitating Hardening
Monels
Nickel Base
Abrasive/Tool Steel
Copper Nickels
Irons
Cobalt Base
Brass/Bronze

View our current list of alloys.

What range of sizes can PPCP cast?

PPCP can produce any size high-quality casting up to 250 pounds.

What is the range of production run quantities PPCP offers?

PPCP can cast production runs of nearly any size, depending on specifications and requirements.

Can PPCP produce complex, intricate and specialized parts using investment casting?

Absolutely. PPCP has the production capabilities and expert staff necessary to meet even the most demanding specifications, with specialized alloys and finished part requirements.

What type of tooling is required for investment casting?

A split aluminum tool or die is used to create a wax pattern, which is then coated with layers of stucco and ceramic material creating the mold. The wax is melted away before pouring the alloy, which is where the term “lost wax casting” originated. This avoids the more complex and expensive tooling required in other processes.

What dimensional tolerances can be expected with PPCP’s investment casting?

Typically, a linear tolerance of +/-.005 inch per inch is maintained.

What is the typical surface finish of PPCP’s investment casting?

A surface finish of approximately 125 RMS is usually delivered, however, finer finishes can be achieved if specifications require a smoother surface.

How does the cost of investment casting compare to other processes?

Because a near net shape is produced utilizing investment casting, machining and finishing costs can be greatly reduced compared to other processes. This makes investment casting a more cost-effective manufacturing process overall.

Is porosity an issue with investment casting?

PPCP utilizes an advanced production process, with rigorous quality assurance and testing to ensure that castings are not compromised by gas porosity or other issues. PPCP always stands behind the parts it casts.

What makes PPCP different from other foundries?

PPCP goes beyond producing top-quality castings made from a wide array of specialized alloys. Our team has the extensive experience, knowledge and commitment to ensure that you will have a truly exceptional customer experience with PPCP. Read about The PPCP Advantage.

How long does it take to get a quote from PPCP?

At PPCP, we strive to return quotes in four days or less. In many cases, it is sooner. We accommodate special requirements whenever possible.

Is there a rapid prototype option?

Yes. We utilize our rapid prototyping process to generate a prototype through 3D printing.

What CAD file formats can PPCP accept?

PPCP can accept these CAD file formats:

AutoCAD (DWG)
BMP
DXF
GIF
Graphics Interchange Format
IGES
Initial Graphics Exchange
JPG or JEPG
Joint Photographic Experts Group
PDF
STP OR STEP
STL
TIFF
Tagged Image File Format

FAQ