Investment Casting vs. Lost Wax Casting

Modern investment casting is a mechanized, industrialized process that is capable of producing precise, accurate units with tight tolerances, thinner walls, and smooth surface finishes. 

During the modern investment casting process, a wax pattern is created and dipped in liquid ceramic, delivering superior dimensionality with minimal machining after the ceramic shell is broken off.

Although lost wax casting is a fairly precise and accurate procedure, it’s history includes molds with beeswax and clay, making it ideal for art-related projects like jewelry and ornamental work.

The term investment casting originated in the mid-1940s and comes from the process itself: the pattern surrounded by an “investment compound” and then baked so the investment is hardened to form a mold. Dictionary.com

The transportation industry relies heavily on modern investment casting. Unlike older lost wax casting techniques, the specialized components produced with the investment casting methods of today can withstand high temperatures without losing their efficiency. 

OBT has always been a trusted partner in the foundry industry. We provide precision casting, die casting, sand casting, lost wax casting, forging and other processes. Surface treatment methods include sandblasting, chrome plating, dipping, hot dipping, surface hardening, powder coating, galvanizing, etc. Mainly used for auto parts, marine hardware accessories, railway transportation accessories, furniture hardware, machined parts and pump valves.