Process Background

Investment casting is an industrial process based on, and also called, the “lost-wax process”. It is one of the oldest known metal-forming techniques. From 5,000 years ago when beeswax formed the pattern to today’s high-technology waxes, refractory materials and specialist alloys, the castings allow the production of components with accuracy, repeatability, versatility and integrity in a variety of metals and high-performance alloys. The process is generally used for smaller application castings where small to medium annual volume production is required. The benefits of the lost wax process over sand or die castings include:

  • Ability to produce complex features within a very tight
    tolerance band
  • Requires minimal finishing operations
  • Possibility of casting a broad spectrum of ferrous and
    non-ferrous alloys
  • Lower tooling costs compared to other casting methods. Lost wax process can also accommodate a whole component lifespan