Precision Investment Casting Services
Near-net-shape manufacturing for intricate metal parts with tight tolerances and superior surface finish.
ISO 14001:2015 ISO 9001:2015 IATF 16949:2016
Investment Casting Overview
Investment casting (also called lost‑wax casting) is an advanced near‑net‑shape manufacturing process ideal for complex, high‑precision metal components with intricate geometries, internal passages, undercuts and fine details. It delivers exceptional surface quality, tight dimensional control and material versatility, making it the preferred solution for mission‑critical parts across regulated industries.
The surgical instrument housing needed to be lightweight (aluminum), sterilizable, and have perfectly smooth internal channels for fluidics. Machining was impossible. [Your Company Name]’s investment casting delivered a monolithic part with an as-cast Ra 1.6µm finish, eliminating assembly and sealing issues. Their cleanroom-compatible post-processing was exceptional.
Investment Casting Material & Processing Technology
Alloy Material Portfolio
- Stainless Steels: 304, 316, 17‑4PH, 15‑5PH, 2205 Duplex – high corrosion & strength
- Superalloys: Inconel 718/625, Hastelloy C‑276/X – high temp & creep resistance
- Tool Steels: H13, P20, S7, M2 – hardness, wear & thermal fatigue resistance
- Aluminum Alloys: A356, 535, 319 – lightweight, strength‑to‑weight & conductivity
- Cobalt Alloys: CoCrMo, Stellite 6 – biocompatibility, wear resistance
- Copper Alloys: C17200 BeCu, C95500 Al Bronze – conductivity & non‑sparking properties
Core Lost‑Wax Process Technologies
- Wax Injection & Tree Assembly: High‑precision wax patterns and runner systems
- Multi‑Layer Ceramic Shell: 5–9 layers for strength and surface quality
- High‑Temp Dewax & Firing: 1000°C+ firing for mold stability
- Controlled Pouring & Solidification: Uniform filling, minimal shrinkage & porosity
- Shell Removal & Precision Finishing: Clean separation and consistent as‑cast quality
Investment Casting Standards & Specifications
- Quality Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, IATF 16949:2016
- Linear Tolerances: Standard ±0.127 mm/25 mm; critical up to ±0.05 mm/25 mm
- Surface Finish: Ra ≤3.2μm (as‑cast), achievable Ra ≤1.6μm with post‑processing
- Minimum Wall Thickness: Down to 0.5 mm (0.020 in) for most alloys
- Production Range: Low‑volume prototypes to high‑volume production
Key Investment Casting Capabilities & Equipment
- Precision wax tooling design and rapid prototype pattern production
- Multi‑layer ceramic shell coating and high‑temperature firing systems
- Controlled melting and precision metal pouring equipment
- CNC machining for critical feature post‑processing
- CMM, optical comparators and full metrology inspection tools
- NDT systems: X‑ray, dye penetrant testing (PT)
- Heat treatment, polishing, shot peening and surface finishing lines
Key Investment Casting Applications
Aerospace & Defense
Turbine blades, impellers, fuel system components, structural brackets and high‑temp parts.
Medical & Dental
Surgical instruments, orthopedic implants, dental frameworks, MRI‑compatible components.
Automotive & Motorsport
Turbocharger wheels, exhaust manifolds, high‑performance brackets, valve bodies.
Industrial & Energy
Pump/valve housings, flow control parts, chemical‑resistant impellers, tooling inserts.
Check Out the ToolkitInvestment Casting Engineering‑Led Production Process
- DFIC (Design for Investment Casting) consultation & design optimization
- Precision wax tooling or rapid pattern development
- Wax pattern injection & assembly into casting trees
- Ceramic shell building, dewaxing and high‑temperature firing
- Alloy melting, controlled pouring and solidification
- Shell removal, casting cutoff and initial finishing
- Heat treatment as required
- CNC precision machining of critical features
- Surface finishing and cosmetic treatments
- Full dimensional & non‑destructive quality inspection
- Packaging and on‑time delivery
Investment Casting Quality & Calibration Assurance
- Full material traceability to mill certifications
- CMM dimensional verification and optical comparator inspection
- Non‑destructive testing (X‑ray, PT) for internal integrity
- First Article Inspection (FAI) and PPAP support for automotive/aerospace
- Statistical process control and batch consistency monitoring
- Regular equipment calibration and process validation
- Continuous quality improvement programs
One‑stop Investment Casting Solution
We provide fully integrated investment casting solutions from design to delivery, with vertical control over tooling, casting, CNC machining, heat treatment, surface finishing and quality inspection. Our end‑to‑end manufacturing ensures consistent quality, shorter lead times and lower overall costs for projects ranging from prototype development to high‑volume production.
Check Out the Toolkit
FAQs About Investment Casting
What is Investment Casting and how does it differ from other casting methods?
expand_less expand_moreA:Investment Casting, also known as "lost-wax casting," is a precision casting process that uses a ceramic mold formed around a wax pattern. Unlike sand casting or die casting, it produces parts with exceptional surface finish (Ra 3.2 μm or better), complex geometries (including internal passages), and tight tolerances (±0.005 in/in). It is ideal for parts that are difficult or expensive to machine.
What materials can you cast with this process?
expand_less expand_moreA:We cast a wide range of alloys, including: · Stainless Steels: 304, 316, 17-4PH。 · Tool Steels: H13, P20. · Aluminum Alloys: A356, 535. · Superalloys: Inconel 718, Hastelloy X. · Cobalt & Copper Alloys: CoCrMo, Beryllium Copper. · Titanium Alloys (upon request). This makes it suitable for high-strength, high-temperature, and corrosion-resistant applications.
What are the typical tolerances for investment castings?
expand_less expand_moreA: Standard linear tolerances are ±0.005 inches per inch (±0.127 mm per 25 mm). Tighter tolerances down to ±0.002 in/in (±0.05 mm/25 mm) can be achieved on critical dimensions. We provide specific tolerance recommendations during the Design for Investment Casting (DFIC) review.
How thin can the walls be in an investment casting?
expand_less expand_moreA: We can consistently produce walls as thin as 0.5 mm (0.020 inches) for most alloys, and even thinner sections (e.g., 0.3 mm) are possible for smaller parts in high-fluidity alloys like aluminum. Wall uniformity and part size affect the minimum achievable thickness.
Do you provide secondary machining and finishing?
expand_less expand_moreA: Yes, we offer complete post-casting services as part of our one-stop solution: · Heat Treatment: Annealing, hardening, tempering, solution treatment. · Precision Machining: CNC milling, drilling, tapping for critical features. · Surface Finishing: Shot peening, polishing, sandblasting, plating, painting, anodizing. · Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Dye penetrant (PT), X-ray inspection
Do you offer design support (DFIC)?
expand_less expand_moreA: Absolutely. We provide complimentary Design for Investment Casting (DFIC) analysis. Our engineers will review your design to recommend optimal: · Draft angles for wax pattern removal. · Wall thickness uniformity to prevent defects. · Gating and venting locations for proper metal flow. · Material selection based on your performance requirements. This early collaboration ensures manufacturability, quality, and cost efficiency.
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