Why Investment Castings?

Investment casting is a proven process that has been used by craftsmen and manufacturers for over 5,000 years. The numerous benefits and advantages it offers over other processes make it ideal for many industries and applications.

Following are the top eight advantages of investment castings from PPCP:

1. Flexible Designs

Investment casting can accommodate nearly any design feature and utilize a vast array of alloys.

2. Range of Alloys

Hundreds of different alloys can be used in investment casting to achieve cost-effectiveness and meet specialized needs. The near-net-shape process greatly reduces the need for finishing, which makes it practical to use a harder alloy, when beneficial.

3. Parts Consistency

The wax patterns used in investment casting are produced over and over again from the same tool. This ensures extremely consistent parts that meet specifications and tolerances.

4. Surface Finish Quality

Parts come right out of the mold with a very good surface finish, typically in the 125 RMS range.

5. Detail and Accuracy

Investment casting can achieve excellent detail and accuracy – in +/- 0.005 inch per inch range. Very little additional machining is necessary for details and features.

6. Lower Production Costs

Investment casting’s near-net-shape parts require less machining; its tooling is less expensive; and the tools have a longer life than other processes.

7. Less Waste

The near net shape of investment casting requires very little machining, which minimizes material waste.

8. Less Process Time

The time it takes to go from initial concept to production utilizing the investment casting process is less than other production options. Products can get to market sooner, and companies can be more responsive to changing market requirements.