One of the oldest known techniques for metal casting, precision investment casting, is the most sought-after process due to its quality in terms of the finished products. The process is simple yet the precision it requires and delivers is impeccable.

Wax shape of the metal is created and cast in a ceramic shell. Once the casting is cool and the ceramic shell has hardened, it is further fired in a high-temperature furnace which causes the wax to melt away, leaving behind the design cavity.

This is then filled with molten metal and left to solidify. Once the solidification is complete, the ceramic shell is broken and the metal design is ready. It may sound simple, but the process requires much trial and error and practice to achieve perfection, hence choosing the right investment casting supplier is crucial.

How to choose the correct investment casting supplier?

Being a supplier of metal casting or if you are in defence or aeronautical industry, then you will know how important it is to have the correct shape for the metal design to achieve optimal functionality. Therefore, choosing an investment casting supplier is not the same as choosing your screws and bolts supplier. You need to prepare a few questions to ask yourself and the supplier you are considering.

Here are a few things you need to keep in mind:

• The very first thing you need to know is which casting method is suitable for your industry. You need to consider the material, pattern, and the designs that your project will require, and you need to select the investment casting supplier accordingly. This manufacturing industry is not a “one size fits all” concept, and no single supplier will cater to all the needs of consumers.

This knowledge is especially important if you are dealing with areas that rely on high precision such as nuclear, aerospace, or defence markets where attention to detail is key. Look for a supplier who has experience and knowledge about your market. This will help both you and them in manufacturing quality products.

• Certification is the next thing you need to look for in your supplier. The process of investment casting is complex and requires extensive knowledge of the process and machinery. Making a cast, fine-tuning it, handling the heating and solidifying process, breaking out the cast, ensuring there are no bubbles in the casting process—all these steps require experience and expertise. Diligently check the certifications and accreditations of the investment casting supplier you are considering.

• The testing process should also be taken into account. Opt for suppliers who have the capability to perform testing themselves, as outsourcing can lead to higher costs.

• Process diversity is another factor to consider when selecting a supplier, since the same casting process may not suit all your projects. Having a supplier that offers more than one casting process means you do not need to switch between multiple suppliers, and your tasks are completed properly and promptly. Working with the same source ensures all your parts are of consistent quality and integrity. Additionally, working with the same supplier increases trust and mutual understanding of each other's requirements.

• Quality and pricing are also important aspects when choosing an investment casting supplier. The quality of the service provided should match the price paid for the products, and you should consider your requirements in terms of quality and quantity. It should be noted that investment casting is a costly process, but it produces a high-quality product. Therefore, if you want a quality product, you need to consider the price.

• Value-added services, or in-house services, offered by the company should also be taken into account. You need to determine whether you are satisfied with just an investment casting supplier or if you require them to conduct certain tests for you as well. Even the variety of machinery they possess or lack should be considered.

Metal casting is no trivial matter, especially for sectors like nuclear, defence, aerospace, and medicine where lives are literally at stake due to the components produced by the investment casting supplier. As one of the oldest forms of casting, this technique has remained stable over time with many companies doing justice to the process. Selecting the right supplier is not only about technical expertise but also about trust and ease of access.