Investment casting is one of the most material-flexible manufacturing processes. Almost any metal that can be melted can be investment cast.
Common investment casting alloys:| Material | Pouring Temp (°C) | Solidification Shrinkage (%) | Typical Applications | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304/316L stainless | 1500-1600 | 1.5-2.0 | Medical instruments, food equipment, marine hardware | Medium |
| 17-4PH stainless | 1500-1570 | 1.5-2.0 | Aerospace brackets, valve bodies, surgical tools | Medium-High |
| Carbon steel (1020, 1045) | 1520-1600 | 1.8-2.5 | Machine parts, structural components, automotive | Low |
| Alloy steel (4140, 8620) | 1500-1580 | 1.8-2.5 | Gears, shafts, high-strength components | Low-Medium |
| Aluminum (A356, 356) | 700-760 | 1.2-1.5 | Aerospace brackets, housings, cooling components | Medium |
| Copper alloys (C84400, C95800) | 1050-1200 | 1.5-2.0 | Marine propellers, valve parts, pump components | Medium |
| Titanium (Ti6Al4V) | 1650-1750 | 1.0-1.5 | Implants, aerospace, chemical processing | High |
| Inconel 718 | 1450-1550 | 1.8-2.5 | Turbine components, high-temperature fasteners | High |
| Cobalt alloys (Stellite) | 1400-1500 | 1.5-2.0 | Wear-resistant parts, cutting tools | High |
| Tool steel (H13, M2) | 1500-1600 | 1.8-2.5 | Cutting tools, dies, high-wear components | Medium |
- Mechanical requirements: Strength, hardness, ductility, fatigue resistance
- Environmental requirements: Corrosion resistance, temperature capability, wear resistance
- Regulatory requirements: Biocompatibility (medical), NACE (oil and gas), AMS (aerospace)
- Cost: Raw material cost + casting yield + machining cost
Almost any metal that can be melted can be investment cast, including stainless steel (304, 316L, 17-4PH), carbon steel, alloy steel, aluminum, copper alloys, titanium, nickel superalloys (Inconel), cobalt alloys, and tool steel. The process is not limited to specific alloys — unlike MIM (which requires specialized powder) or die casting (limited to low-melting-point alloys). This material flexibility is one of investment casting's greatest advantages.