Investment casting, also known as lost-wax casting, is a manufacturing process to produce complex metal parts with high dimensional accuracy and smooth surface finish. Before mass production, prototypes are often made first to evaluate the design. Prototype investment casting allows testing form, fit and function of the product before committing to high-volume tooling.
Reasons for Producing Prototypes via Investment Casting
Prototypes enable assessment of product designs early in the development cycle. This allows detection of potential issues and implementation of changes before volume production. Investment casting is ideal for prototyping complex, high-precision metal components like turbocharger wheels and biomedical implants. The process efficiently produces intricate, net-shape metal parts without need for secondary machining, saving significant time and cost.
Advantages of Prototype Investment Cast Parts
Prototype investment castings provide complete visualization of the final product with precise shapes, textures and surfaces. Dimensional accuracy and repeatability match that of volume production. The process allows flexible design changes even for geometrically complex parts with hidden cavities or undercuts. Lead times and costs are lower compared to CNC machining. The parts can be functionally tested under simulated operating conditions.
In product development, prototype investment castings enable verification of product designs before high-volume production. This crucial process facilitates creation of complex, high-performance metal components at relatively low cost.