Investment Casting

Complex Geometry, Tight Tolerances, High-Performance Alloys

Investment casting (lost wax) delivers near-net-shape components for demanding alloys and geometries where machining from bar would be cost-prohibitive or structurally disadvantaged.

Process Overview

What investment casting is best for

Investment casting uses a wax pattern and ceramic shell to produce near-net-shape metal components with excellent surface finish and dimensional accuracy. It is the preferred process when part geometry is too complex for sand casting, when alloy performance requirements rule out die casting, or when machining from solid would waste expensive material.

Oakmet coordinates investment casting programs for components ranging from small precision parts to larger structural castings, across a broad range of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys including nickel superalloys, titanium, duplex and super duplex stainless, and stainless steels.

Typical Volume Range

Low to medium (50 – 50,000+ pcs/year)

Best For

  • Complex internal geometry
  • Tight dimensional tolerances
  • High-performance alloys
  • Low-to-medium production volumes
  • Thin-wall sections

Process Strengths

  • Tight tolerances without heavy machining
  • Near-net-shape reduces material waste
  • Capable in demanding high-temp alloys
  • Wax tooling cost lower than die casting
  • Consistent lot-to-lot repeatability

Common Materials

  • Nickel alloys (Inconel 718, 625)
  • Duplex & super duplex stainless
  • Stainless steels (17-4PH, 316, CF8M)
  • Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V)
  • Carbon & low-alloy steels
  • Cobalt alloys

Typical Components

  • Valve bodies and internals
  • Pump impellers and housings
  • Turbine blades and nozzles
  • Structural brackets and fittings
  • Manifolds and connectors
  • Surgical and aerospace hardware

Secondary Services

  • CNC machining to final dimensions
  • Heat treatment
  • NDT (RT, PT, MT, UT)
  • HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing)
  • Surface finishing and coating

Quality & Documentation

Inspection and traceability for investment castings

Material Test Reports (MTRs) with heat traceability
Dimensional inspection and first article reports
Radiographic testing (RT) for internal defects
Liquid penetrant or magnetic particle inspection
PMI (Positive Material Identification) where required
HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing) coordination for critical parts
NACE MR0175 compliance documentation for sour service
PPAP / APQP documentation support

Ready to discuss your investment casting program?

Upload your drawing or part specification and describe your requirements. Oakmet will review process fit, material suitability, and respond with next-step feedback.