Which metals can be investment cast?

Generally speaking, all ferrous and nonferrous metals can be used in the investment casting process to produce components such as carbon steel parts and alloy steel investment castings. In terms of non-ferrous metals, most copper-based metals as well as magnesium and aluminum can be cast, aluminum investment casting being the most popular among these.

Investment casting is a suitable process for the widest variety of alloys, and includes: aluminum alloys, carbon steel alloys parts, cobalt / high nickel / magnetic steel alloys, copper-based alloys, ductile iron, precipitation hardened steel alloys, stainless steel 300/400 series alloys, tool steel alloys and so on.

Compared to other casting methods, investments casting has an average tooling cost, the most metal option and the offers the most design freedom. Though the cost per unit is high compared to other casting methods, it offers an average surface finish, average tolerance control, an average size range, an average wall thickness minimum and no draft are required.