What makes investment casting ideal for creating complex geometries?

What Makes Investment Casting Ideal for Creating Complex Geometries?

Near-Net Shape Precision

Investment casting enables the production of intricate parts with tight tolerances—typically ±0.075 mm per 25 mm—directly from wax patterns. This eliminates the need for extensive machining, even for parts with internal cavities, undercuts, or fine details. Complex features such as thin walls (as low as 0.5 mm), sharp corners, and logos can be reproduced accurately in a single operation.

Freedom in Design Complexity

Unlike machining or forging, investment casting does not constrain geometry. Engineers can integrate multiple functions into a single part, such as combining brackets, channels, and bosses, reducing part count and assembly. Investment casting services support complex designs in aerospace turbine vanes, orthopedic implants, and custom connectors.

Supports Internal Channels and Hollow Structures

With the use of ceramic cores and soluble wax inserts, investment casting allows the formation of complex internal passageways, cooling channels, and multi-axis holes. This is critical for high-performance parts in the aerospace and automotive sectors, where internal cooling and flow optimization are essential.

Surface Finish and Detail Reproduction

The ceramic molds used in investment casting yield smooth surfaces with Ra values typically ranging from 1.6 to 3.2 μm. This level of finish is ideal for parts requiring aesthetic quality or reduced post-processing. Fine texturing, serrations, and knurling can be cast-in, even on miniature or irregular parts.

Material Versatility

Investment casting supports a wide range of alloys, including nickel-based, copper alloy, cast stainless steel, and titanium. This makes it suitable for complex parts across industries, whether requiring high strength, corrosion resistance, or biocompatibility.

Manufacturing Services for Complex Investment Cast Parts

Neway provides precision investment casting solutions with full in-house capabilities—from wax pattern design to CNC post-machining and surface treatment. With ±0.01mm precision, over 20 years of experience, and global delivery, we support demanding applications in medical devices, energy, and consumer electronics.