Lost Wax / Investment Casting

Investment casting is an industrial process based on lost-wax casting is one of the oldest known metal-forming techniques, from its earliest form where beeswax was used to make the patterns through to today where complex compound waxes are used and recycled.

Investment casting, which derives its name from the pattern being invested (surrounded) with refractory material, has been used in various forms for the last 5,000 years and is valued for its ability to produce components with accuracy, repeatability, versatility and integrity in a variety of metals and high-performance alloys.

The process may be more time confusing to more modern manufacturing methods but the results are worth the wait – The process can be used for both small castings of a few ounces and large castings weighing several hundred pounds. It can be more expensive than die casting or sand casting, however unit costs decrease with large volumes.

Investment casting can produce complicated shapes that would be difficult or impossible with other casting methods. It can also produce products with exceptional surface qualities and low tolerances with minimal surface finishing or machining required.