Casting 101

Modern investment casting is an industrial process based off of lost-wax casting, one of the oldest known metal forming techniques.

Watch the video to learn more about our investment casting process.

Investment casting is a process in which a wax cluster is covered in a ceramic slurry. Once hardened the wax is melted out of the ceramic shell. The shell is then heated to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and molten metal is poured in. After cooling, the ceramic is then vibrated and blasted off the metal products. The products are then cut, cleaned and prepared for shipping.

As a general rule all ferrous and non-ferrous materials can be investment castings. Carbon, tool and alloy steel along with the 300, 400, 15-5ph and 17-4ph stainless steels are most commonly poured. Check our Alloy Selection Guide for details.

Investment castings can range from a fraction of an ounce to over 1,000 pounds. Most investment casting foundries only cast parts up to 20lbs. RLM can cast parts up to 250lbs.

RLM tolerance – first inch plus or minus 0.010 and .005 for every additional inch.

The ceramic shell is built around a smooth wax pattern, the finish achieved by investment casting is excellent. A 125 micro-finish is standard.

It is true that investment castings are usually more expensive than forged parts or those produced by other casting methods. Investment casting, however, makes up for this added cost by reducing the amount of machining and other secondary costs involved with other processes.

Investment castings are used widely in applications that require parts to be x-rayed and meet definite soundness criteria. The integrity of investment casting can be far superior to parts produced by other methods.

Typically, 6 weeks for commercial grade and 8 weeks for ordnance. Deliveries can be negotiated and changed for the customers with special requirements.

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Forget waiting months to launch a new product. At RLM Industries, we can have your product delivered in as few as 6 weeks.  We provide Engineering, Prototyping and Casting processes using Lean Manufacturing principles for speed and efficiency.
Investment casting may be a 5,000 year old process, but it doesn’t mean we still use the same tools. At RLM, we operate state-of-the-art machinery and inspection equipment, including a Romer Arm, ensuring the highest quality production possible, with ISO 9001:2015 certification.
At RLM, Our goal is 100 percent on-time delivery. We work with you to guarantee projects move along from design to delivery as fast as possible.
Our rapid prototyping process means that you can go from solid model to prototype in as few as 7 business days. Our method uses the latest technology in 3D modeling and precision prototype casting processes.
Contact RLM today to experience what old-fashioned customer service is all about. We do “whatever it takes” to address customer challenges, priorities and special needs. Or you can Request A Quote and we’ll get right on it. We know time is money.
As a general rule all ferrous and non-ferrous materials can be investment castings. Check our Alloy Selection Guide for details.
Investment casting may seem more expensive than other forging methods, but it also requires less secondary machining. RLM focuses on creating quality products, and can turn multiple piece projects into single piece projects. We think outside the box to create smarter and more efficient castings.

Prototypes & Short Run • Investment Casting • Engineering

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CASTING 101

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