For one, it's not new, having been used as early as 1,800 B.C. to produce beautiful bronze works of art. Yet this method of casting fine ferrous and non-ferrous components is even more useful today than in the ancient times. Why? Because it can still do so many things so much better than many alternatives.

The process involves a number of intricate steps resulting in components which feature considerable design flexibility and economy. The method competes to some degree with machining, forging, die casting and other processes, but is the only means which combines many of the benefits into one. It can, for example, produce a part which previously required several

steps, several parts, and was not as strong nor as cost efficient as the investment casting. The net shapes made possible frequently require only minimal finishing.

There are many reasons engineers and purchasing agents specify investment castings for their projects. Here are just a few:

Cost savings

• Reduce the cost of close-tolerance or fine finish parts.
• Net shape eliminates or minimizes machining and
  multiple part assembly.
• Lower tooling costs
• Saves on material waste
  

Quality and Design Flexibility

• Design intricate configurations
  as one piece castings.
• Infinite alloy choices, thin walls,
  internal cores, better finishes.
• Upgrade properties, increase strength
  to weight ratio, achieve consistency.