Investment casting is also known as the lost wax process. The process is one of the oldest manufacturing processes invented by the Egyptians some 5,000 years ago. Complex shapes can be made with high precision. Additionally, metals that are difficult to machine or fabricate are also good candidates for this process. It can be used to make parts that cannot be produced with ordinary manufacturing techniques, such as turbine blades with complex shapes, or aircraft parts that must withstand high temperatures.
The types of materials that can be cast are aluminum alloys, bronze, tool steel, stainless steel, satellites, exotic alloys and precious metals. Parts made from investment casting usually do not require any further processing.
