Aluminum Investment Casting Services Precision Lightweight Parts

Aluminum Investment Casting Services

Looking for lightweight, high‑precision aluminum parts without paying for heavy machining? Our aluminum investment casting services are built exactly for that. We use the lost‑wax (investment) casting process to deliver near net shape aluminum parts with tight tolerances, clean surfaces, and consistent properties—whether you need a few prototypes or full production.

What You Get With Our Aluminum Investment Casting

With our aluminum investment casting company, you get:

• Precision aluminum casting with tight, repeatable dimensions
• Thin wall aluminum castings and complex internal features
• Near net shape aluminum parts that cut machining time and scrap
• Heat treated aluminum castings (T5, T6, etc.) for higher strength
• Pressure‑tight aluminum castings for pumps, valves, and fluid systems
• Full CNC machining, surface finishing, and assembly support in‑house

You send us a model or drawing, and we deliver ready‑to‑use custom aluminum investment castings to your spec.

Who Aluminum Investment Casting Is Really For

Our investment casting aluminum process is a strong fit if you:

• Need lightweight aluminum components with high strength‑to‑weight
• Have complex geometry that’s too difficult or costly to machine
• Want better surface finish and detail than sand casting
• Need consistent quality for aerospace, defense, medical, or industrial parts
• Care about reducing material waste and total part cost over the program life

We routinely support engineers in aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, electronics, and industrial equipment who need reliable, repeatable aluminum alloy investment casting.

How Our Aluminum Investment Casting Process Works at a Glance

Here’s how we run an aluminum lost wax foundry project from print to part:

1. Tooling & Wax Patterns – Build tooling from your 3D model, then inject wax patterns.
2. Ceramic Shell – Coat patterns to form a precise ceramic mold around the part geometry.
3. Dewax & Fire – Remove wax and fire the shell for a clean, dimensionally stable mold.
4. Pour Aluminum – Melt and pour the selected A356, 356, C355, or other aluminum alloy under controlled conditions.
5. Knockout & Cut‑Off – Remove the ceramic, cut parts from the tree, clean up gates.
6. Heat Treat & Finish – Apply specified heat treat, machining, and finishing; then fully inspect.

The result: high strength aluminum castings that hit your tolerances, finish, and performance requirements with a stable, repeatable process.

Why Aluminum Investment Casting?

Aluminum investment casting gives you a rare mix of light weight, high strength, and design freedom that’s hard to match with other processes or metals. For many U.S. OEMs, it’s the sweet spot between performance, cost, and manufacturability.

Why aluminum over other metals?

Compared with steel, stainless, or brass, investment casting aluminum delivers:

• Major weight savings for parts that still need real strength
• Lower material cost and easier machining
• Better thermal performance for heat‑sensitive or heat‑dissipating components

If you don’t need extreme high‑temperature performance, aluminum alloy investment casting is usually the more efficient choice.

Strength‑to‑weight & corrosion resistance

With alloys like A356 and 356, you get:

• High strength‑to‑weight ratio – ideal for aerospace, automotive, and handheld equipment
• Natural corrosion resistance that can be boosted with anodizing or coatings
• Strong fatigue performance for dynamic, cyclic loads

We focus on high strength aluminum castings that stay light, rigid, and durable in real‑world conditions.

Thermal performance & pressure‑tight castings

Aluminum conducts heat extremely well, which makes precision aluminum casting a solid fit for:

• Housings, heat sinks, and thermal management parts
• Pressure‑tight aluminum castings for pumps, compressors, and hydraulic components
• Applications where you need both thermal control and leak‑free performance

With the right alloy and process control, we can hit tight porosity and pressure specs consistently.

Design flexibility for complex, thin‑wall parts

Lost wax aluminum casting shines when geometry gets tricky:

• Thin wall aluminum castings with stable, repeatable sections
• Intricate internal passages, undercuts, and branding details
• Near net shape aluminum parts that match 3D CAD closely

If you’re fighting design limits in machining or sand casting, complex aluminum castings via investment casting open up more options.

Cutting machining and material waste

Because we can cast to a near net shape, you:

• Remove less material in CNC machining
• Buy less raw stock and scrap fewer billets
• Shorten cycle times and reduce fixturing complexity

For many customers, moving to custom aluminum investment castings pays back quickly in reduced machining and material cost. If you also need die cast options, we back this up with dedicated aluminum casting alloy grades and services tailored for U.S. OEM production runs.

How Our Aluminum Investment Casting Process Works

Our aluminum investment casting process is built for precision, consistency, and repeatability, whether you need a few prototype parts or a full production run.

Wax Pattern & Tooling Setup

We start with high-precision wax patterns made from custom tooling or printed patterns for prototypes.

• Tight control of dimensions and shrink factors
• Optimized gating and riser design for sound aluminum castings
• Ideal for near net shape aluminum parts and complex geometries

Building the Ceramic Shell

Each wax pattern is dipped and coated to build a high-strength ceramic shell around it.

• Multiple layers for stable, pressure‑tight aluminum castings
• Smooth internal surface for better surface finish
• Supports thin wall aluminum castings and fine details

Dewaxing & Shell Firing

The wax is melted out (lost‑wax) and the shell is fired.

• Clean, cavity-free ceramic molds
• Fired shells improve strength and reduce inclusions
• Stable molds for consistent precision aluminum casting results

Pouring Molten Aluminum & Solidification

We pour controlled melts of A356, 356, C355, and other aluminum alloys into the hot shells.

• Controlled pouring temperature and fill rate
• Solidification control to minimize porosity and hot spots
• Capable of pressure‑tight aluminum castings with high integrity

Shell Knockout, Cut‑Off & Gating Removal

After cooling, we break off the ceramic shell and separate the castings.

• Knockout, cut‑off, and gate removal with minimal part damage
• Smart gating keeps extra grinding and machining low
• Clean, cast‑in features ready for finishing

Heat Treatment (T5, T6, etc.)

We heat treat aluminum investment castings to hit your strength and hardness targets.

• Common conditions: T4, T5, T6 for A356 and 356
• Improves tensile strength, fatigue resistance, and stability
• Ideal for high strength aluminum castings in aerospace and automotive

For deeper material data, we rely on proven aluminum casting grades and tensile properties similar to those d in resources like this aluminum grade and casting guide.

Finishing & Inspection

We finish and verify every part to your print.

• CNC machining, deburring, and surface finishing
• Dimensional inspection and visual checks on every lot
• Optional NDT, pressure testing, and documentation for critical parts

This end‑to‑end aluminum investment casting service delivers consistent, production‑ready components with less machining, less scrap, and better performance.

Aluminum Alloys We Cast

We specialize in aluminum investment casting with a tight focus on proven, foundry‑friendly alloys that perform in demanding U.S. applications.

Why We Focus on A356 Aluminum Investment Casting

Most of our precision aluminum castings are poured in A356 (often heat treated to A356‑T6):

• Excellent strength‑to‑weight for lightweight structural parts
• Great fluidity for thin wall aluminum castings and complex features
• Consistent quality for pressure‑tight aluminum castings and CNC machining
• Widely used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial aluminum components

For a deeper look at mechanical properties and uses, we rely on the same data you’ll find in this detailed overview of A356‑T6 aluminum alloy specifications and applications.

356 vs A356 vs C355 Aluminum Alloys

We cast all three depending on what your part needs:

• 356 – Good general‑purpose aluminum investment casting alloy, solid strength and castability.
• A356 – Cleaner, low‑impurity version of 356 with better strength, elongation, and pressure tightness. Our go‑to for high‑reliability parts.
• C355 – Higher copper content, higher strength, and elevated‑temperature performance, used when mechanical properties matter more than maximum corrosion resistance.

Custom Aluminum Alloy Options

When your project calls for something special, we can pour custom aluminum alloy investment castings, including:

• Alloys tuned for extra corrosion resistance
• Grades optimized for high temperature or fatigue resistance
• Specialty alloys for aerospace aluminum casting and defense

We match your print and spec to the right alloy using data from our in‑house casting alloy guide and resources similar to this casting alloy guide on types, properties, and selection.

Heat Treatment Options (T4, T5, T6)

To hit your strength and ductility targets, we offer full heat treatment on our aluminum castings:

• T4 – Solution heat treated and naturally aged; good toughness and formability
• T5 – Cooled from casting and artificially aged; stable dimensions, moderate strength
• T6 – Solution heat treated and artificially aged; maximum strength and hardness, ideal for high‑load parts

How to Pick the Right Aluminum Alloy

When we quote your aluminum investment casting, we’ll help you choose based on:

• Required strength, stiffness, and fatigue life
• Corrosion environment (outdoor, marine, chemical, etc.)
• Operating temperature and pressure
• Machining, welding, or finishing needs (anodizing, plating, coating)
• Cost vs. performance balance for prototype and production runs

If you’re unsure, send us your print, annual volume, and application details—we’ll recommend the best aluminum investment casting alloy and temper for your part, not just the most common one.

Technical Capabilities and Tolerances for Aluminum Investment Casting

Our aluminum investment casting service is built for precise, repeatable production. Here’s what you can count on from us.

Standard Tolerances for Aluminum Investment Casting

We hold tight, realistic tolerances for investment casting aluminum parts:

Feature	Typical Tolerance*
Linear (up to 1 in / 25 mm)	±0.003–0.005 in (±0.08–0.13 mm)
Linear (1–6 in / 25–150 mm)	±0.005–0.010 in (±0.13–0.25 mm)
Linear (>6 in / >150 mm)	±0.010 in + 0.002 in/in (rule‑of‑thumb)
Hole location	±0.005–0.010 in

*Final tolerances depend on alloy, part geometry, and machining requirements.

Surface Finish and Roughness

Our precision aluminum casting process delivers clean surfaces that often don’t need heavy machining:

Parameter	Typical Range
As‑cast Ra	63–125 µin (1.6–3.2 µm)
Machined Ra (optional)	16–32 µin (0.4–0.8 µm)

We also support secondary finishes such as anodizing and coating, similar to what we apply on our stainless steel cast components.

Part Size and Weight Range

We handle a wide range of aluminum alloy investment casting sizes:

Parameter	Capability (Typical)
Max part weight	Up to ~75 lb (34 kg)
Min part weight	~0.05 lb (20 g)
Max part length	About 24–28 in (600–700 mm)

If your part sits outside this range, we’ll review it case by case.

Minimum Wall Thickness for Thin‑Wall Aluminum Castings

We specialize in thin wall aluminum castings and

Design for Aluminum Investment Casting

When Your Design Is a Good Fit for Aluminum Investment Casting

Your part is a strong match for aluminum investment casting when you need:

• Complex geometry: organic shapes, undercuts, internal passages, logos, and branding in one pour.
• Thin wall aluminum castings: walls down to ~0.06–0.08 in on small parts with consistent sections.
• Tight tolerances: precision aluminum casting for parts that must fit or seal without heavy rework.
• Lightweight strength: high strength‑to‑weight aluminum components that still handle real‑world loads.

If you’re not sure, send us your 3D model and we’ll give you a quick “yes/no” on aluminum investment casting feasibility.

How to Optimize Geometry for Aluminum Lost‑Wax Casting

To get the most out of lost wax aluminum casting, we usually recommend:

• Smooth transitions: use fillets and radii instead of sharp corners to improve flow and reduce stress.
• Consistent wall thickness: avoid big jumps in section thickness to control shrink and distortion.
• Proper draft where needed: 1–2° draft on features formed by tooling to keep wax patterns clean.
• Generous radii: avoid razor‑sharp edges that chip in wax or crack in the ceramic shell.

Our team has deep lost‑wax casting foundry experience and can quickly flag and fix geometry that causes casting issues.

Reducing Machining With Near Net Shape Aluminum Parts

One of the biggest wins with aluminum alloy investment casting is how much machining you can cut out:

• Cast bosses, pads, and flanges right to near net shape.
• Integrate brackets and features that would normally be welded or bolted on.
• Hold tight enough tolerances on non‑critical areas to skip secondary cuts.

We’ll help you decide what should be cast versus what should be machined so you hit your cost and lead‑time targets.

Common Design Mistakes and How We Avoid Them

Typical problems we see in investment casting aluminum designs:

• Too‑thin isolated features that break in wax or don’t fill with metal.
• Heavy mass areas with no transitions, causing porosity and shrink.
• Ignoring gating and feed needs, leaving no room for proper process engineering.

We catch these issues early, then:

• Thicken or support fragile features.
• Add blends, ribs, or coring to balance sections.
• Adjust geometry slightly so we can gate, vent, and feed the part correctly.

That’s how

Industries Using Aluminum Investment Casting

Our aluminum investment casting services are built for U.S. manufacturers that need lightweight, complex, and repeatable metal parts without paying CNC prices for every feature. Here’s where our process delivers the most value.

Aerospace Aluminum Investment Casting Applications

We supply precision aluminum castings for aerospace structures and hardware where every ounce matters:

• Brackets, housings, and mounting fixtures
• Actuation components and linkage parts
• Complex, thin-wall covers and enclosures

With A356 aluminum investment casting and full traceability, we support demanding commercial and defense aerospace programs that expect consistent properties and tight tolerances.

Automotive Aluminum Cast Components

For automotive and EV customers, we use investment casting aluminum to cut weight and consolidate parts:

• Powertrain and drivetrain housings
• Brake and suspension brackets
• Thermal management and cooling components

Near net shape aluminum parts help reduce machining time and material waste while improving repeatability in high-volume production.

Defense and Firearm Aluminum Castings

We work with U.S. defense and firearm OEMs that need high strength aluminum castings with strict quality control:

• Weapon system mounts and rail components
• Optic and sight housings
• Lightweight chassis and receiver components

We support non-destructive testing, full lot traceability, and controlled heat treatment for mission‑critical parts.

Medical and Healthcare Aluminum Cast Parts

For medical equipment builders, our precision aluminum casting process is ideal for:

• Imaging system structures and brackets
• Pump and motor housings
• Ergonomic frames and lightweight assemblies

We deliver smooth surfaces and consistent geometry that pair well with secondary machining, coating, and clean finishes.

Electronics, Pumps, Valves, and Industrial Castings

In industrial and fluid-handling markets, customers use our custom aluminum investment castings for:

• Electronics and sensor housings
• Pumps, manifolds, and valve bodies
• Compressor, gearbox, and motor components

If you’re focused on fluid control systems, our aluminum capabilities pair well with our broader valve castings manufacturing and custom OEM valve bodies experience. We also support corrosion‑resistant alloys for outdoor and plant environments.

Real Project Examples and Typical Use Cases

Typical aluminum alloy investment casting projects we run for U.S. customers include:

• Thin-wall A356 electric motor housings that replaced multi‑piece weldments
• Complex aerospace brackets with integrated features that eliminated multiple machined parts
• Pressure‑tight pump and valve castings that cut weight versus stainless or bronze

If you’re developing lightweight aluminum components and want to combine performance with cost control, aluminum investment casting is usually one of the first processes we recommend.

Aluminum Investment Casting vs Other Processes

When you’re choosing how to make complex aluminum parts, the main question is: where does aluminum investment casting really beat die casting, sand casting, and permanent mold? Here’s the quick, practical breakdown.

Aluminum Investment Casting vs Die Casting

Die casting is great for very high volumes, but it comes with trade-offs:

• Tooling cost: Die casting dies are expensive; investment casting tooling is usually lower cost, better for small to mid-volume runs.
• Part complexity: Investment casting aluminum handles deeper undercuts, finer details, and thinner walls more easily.
• Mechanical properties: Investment cast aluminum can use alloys (like A356) and heat treatments that are harder to run in die casting, giving better strength and fatigue performance.
• Surface & tolerances: Both are good, but precision aluminum investment casting often wins on fine features and near net shape for complex parts.

If you don’t need millions of parts a year, and you care about geometry freedom and performance, investment casting aluminum usually makes more sense.

Aluminum Investment Casting vs Sand Casting

Sand casting is flexible and cheap to start, but:

• Surface finish: Aluminum investment casting gives a much smoother surface and tighter dimensional control.
• Tolerances: Sand casting tolerances are looser; investment casting gets you precision aluminum castings closer to final size.
• Wall thickness: Thin wall aluminum castings are difficult in sand, but lost wax aluminum casting can run much thinner and more consistent.
• Machining: Sand castings typically need heavy machining; investment castings are near net shape aluminum parts, reducing time and material waste.

Use sand casting for very large, low‑precision parts. Use aluminum alloy investment casting when finish and accuracy matter.

Aluminum Investment Casting vs Permanent Mold Casting

Permanent mold casting (gravity or low‑pressure):

• Volume: Better suited for medium to high volume with simpler shapes.
• Geometry: Investment casting handles more complex aluminum castings, intricate internal passages, and detailed logos or text.
• Tooling flexibility: Changing design is easier and cheaper with investment casting wax tooling than with hard steel molds.
• Mechanical properties: Both can be strong, but investment casting with A356 aluminum casting and proper heat treatment can match or beat permanent mold on performance for many shapes.

Permanent mold is strong on repeatable, simpler profiles; aluminum investment casting wins when designs push complexity.

When Aluminum Investment Casting Is the Best Choice

I recommend aluminum investment casting services when you:

• Need complex, thin‑wall aluminum components with tight tolerances.
• Want to cut machining and material waste using near net shape aluminum castings.
• Run prototype, low-volume, or mid-volume production where die casting tooling doesn’t pay off.
• Require high strength, heat treated aluminum castings (T5, T6) for aerospace, defense, automotive, or industrial applications.
• Care about clean surfaces, sharp detail, and repeatability without paying CNC-from-billet prices.

If you’re comparing processes for a specific part, we can review your 3D model, call out risks, and suggest the right route. For more on our broader capabilities, you can also look at our core precision casting services and overall casting foundry capabilities.

Quality Control and Certifications for Aluminum Investment Casting

We run aluminum investment casting like a controlled process, not a guessing game. Every precision aluminum casting is checked, tested, and fully traceable so you know exactly what you’re getting and where it came from.

Dimensional & Visual Inspection

For every aluminum investment casting run, we verify the basics first:

• Full dimensional inspection against 2D/3D CAD
• CMM checks for tight‑tolerance features
• Visual inspection for surface defects, misruns, and porosity
• First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation when required

This keeps your near net shape aluminum parts on-size and consistent from lot to lot.

Metallurgical & Mechanical Testing

We don’t just measure the outside of your A356 aluminum casting—we validate what’s inside:

• Chemical analysis to confirm alloy chemistry
• Tensile, yield, and elongation testing to verify mechanical properties
• Hardness checks on heat treated aluminum castings (T5, T6, etc.)

Our lab procedures follow strict internal standards similar to those described in our testing and quality control practices.

Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT)

For aerospace, defense, and other critical aluminum alloy investment casting jobs, we use NDT to confirm internal integrity:

• X‑ray inspection for internal shrink, porosity, and inclusions
• Dye penetrant testing for surface cracks and discontinuities
• NDT reports available with full traceability

This is especially important for pressure‑tight aluminum castings and safety‑critical parts.

Process Control & Full Traceability

Every aluminum investment casting we ship can be traced back through:

• Melt lot, alloy batch, wax batch, shell ID, and heat treat record
• Controlled work instructions for each process step
• Recorded oven charts, pour logs, and inspection records

If there’s ever a question, we can track a part from raw material to final inspection in minutes.

Industry Standards & Certifications

We operate as a U.S.‑focused aluminum investment casting company with quality systems built for demanding industries:

• ISO‑style documented quality system for precision aluminum casting
• Compliance with common aerospace, automotive, and industrial specs
• Controlled procedures for non‑destructive testing of aluminum castings, material verification, and inspection

If you need specific certifications or test plans for an RFQ, we can align our aluminum foundry services to match your program’s requirements.

Value‑Added Services for Aluminum Investment Castings

CNC Machining for Aluminum Investment Cast Parts

We finish your aluminum investment castings with tight‑tolerance CNC machining so parts arrive ready to use, not “close enough.” From critical bores and sealing faces to complex 3D contours, we hold consistent dimensions across prototype and production runs. When you need additional materials machined alongside aluminum, our broader precision CNC machining services help keep all your metal components under one roof.

Heat Treatment and Stress Relief

We provide full heat treatment for aluminum alloy investment castings (T4, T5, T6, and custom conditions) to lock in strength, fatigue performance, and dimensional stability. Stress relief cycles help reduce movement during machining and in service, which matters a lot for aerospace, automotive, and pressure‑tight aluminum parts.

Surface Finishing: Anodizing, Plating, and Coating

Your aluminum castings don’t leave us “as‑cast” unless you want them that way. We offer:

• Anodizing for corrosion resistance and cosmetic appeal
• Plating and conversion coatings for conductivity or extra protection
• Paint and powder coating for branded colors and outdoor durability

We manage prep, masking, and final inspection so your precision aluminum castings match your spec and look clean. For more complex coating stacks, we tie in our in‑house surface treatment capabilities.

Assembly, Kitting, and Packaging

We go past raw aluminum cast parts and handle:

• Sub‑assembly and hardware install (bushings, inserts, fasteners)
• Kitting by build, line, or end customer
• Custom packaging for protection, labeling, and easy incoming inspection

That means fewer vendors, fewer touches, and less risk in your supply chain.

Engineering Support and DFM for Aluminum Casting

We work with your team early on to tune designs for aluminum investment casting:

• Wall thickness, draft, and radii tuned for flow and strength
• Gating and riser strategy to avoid porosity and scrap
• Features adjusted to cut machining time and cost

You get real design‑for‑manufacturing feedback up front, so your aluminum investment casting program launches faster, with fewer surprises and more consistent quality.

Working With Us on Your Aluminum Investment Casting Project

What to Include in Your RFQ for Aluminum Castings

To quote your aluminum investment casting fast and accurately, send:

• 2D/3D files – STEP, IGES, or solid models + PDF prints with critical dimensions and tolerances
• Material – alloy and heat treat (e.g., A356-T6, 356-T6, C355)
• Annual volume + order quantity – prototype, bridge, or full production
• Finish requirements – machining, anodizing, coating, or assembly
• Quality needs – NDT (X‑ray, dye penetrant), certs, PPAP, AS9100/ISO requirements
• Target price and timeline – helps us suggest the best process window

Typical Lead Times and Project Workflow

For aluminum investment casting projects, our flow is:

1. DFM review & quote – usually within 2–5 business days
2. Tooling & wax patterns – 3–5 weeks depending on part complexity
3. Sample / FAI castings – 2–3 weeks after tooling approval
4. Production ramp‑up – scheduled releases or kanban to support your build plan

We plan capacity with U.S. customers in mind, so we’re upfront on lead times and realistic ship dates.

Pricing Factors for Aluminum Investment Casting Parts

Your aluminum casting cost mainly depends on:

• Part geometry – size, complexity, thin‑wall sections, and required tolerances
• Alloy and heat treat – A356 vs C355, T5 vs T6, etc.
• Volume – prototype, low‑volume, or high‑volume production
• Secondary work – CNC machining, surface finishing, assembly, and testing
• Quality level – NDT, full traceability, and certification packages

If your program also needs stainless or alloy steel components, we can bundle them with our stainless steel and alloy steel casting supply to tighten total project cost and logistics.

How We Support Prototypes and Production Programs

We’re set up to handle the full lifecycle of aluminum investment casting:

• Rapid prototypes – quick‑turn soft tooling or modified existing tooling
• Design tuning – DFM feedback to cut machining, improve yield, and stabilize quality
• Bridge builds – short‑run production before hard tooling or die casting
• Long‑term production – locked processes, stable pricing, and scheduled deliveries

You get one team handling your aluminum investment casting from first prototype through full‑scale production, so you’re not re‑qualifying a new supplier every time your volume changes.

Aluminum Investment Casting FAQs

Part size, tolerance, and alloy selection

Q: What part sizes can you handle with aluminum investment casting?
We typically cast aluminum parts from a few grams up to around 50–60 lb, with sweet‑spot sizes in the palm‑to‑shoebox range. If your aluminum casting is larger than that, send it over anyway and we’ll review it.

Q: What tolerances can I expect on precision aluminum castings?
For most dimensions, we hold ±0.005 in/in (minimum ±0.005–0.010 in) on aluminum investment castings. Critical features can be tightened further with secondary CNC machining.

Q: How do I choose between A356, 356, and C355 aluminum alloys?

• A356 aluminum casting – our go‑to for most structural parts; great strength, fluidity, and corrosion resistance.
• 356 – good general‑purpose alloy when ultra‑tight chemistry isn’t required.
• C355 – better high‑temperature and fatigue performance for demanding aerospace and defense work.

If you’re unsure, send your print, target properties, and environment and we’ll recommend the right aluminum alloy investment casting option.

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Cost, tooling, and minimum order quantity

Q: What drives the cost of aluminum investment casting?
Main factors:

• Part size and complexity (thin walls, undercuts, cores)
• Alloy type and heat treatment (T4, T5, T6, etc.)
• Tolerances and surface finish requirements
• Volume (prototype vs high‑volume)
• Value‑added services like CNC machining of aluminum castings or coating

Q: How much does tooling cost for aluminum lost wax casting?
Tooling for aluminum investment casting usually ranges from a few thousand dollars to low five figures, depending on part size and cavity count. We can also offer soft tooling or 3D printed patterns for prototype aluminum investment casting to cut upfront spend.

Q: Do you have a minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
We support prototypes, low volume, and full production. MOQs depend on part complexity and tooling approach. For some aluminum parts, we can run as low as a few dozen pieces; for others, we’ll set a realistic MOQ to keep your per‑part price in line.

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Lead time, quality, and logistics

Q: What are typical lead times for aluminum investment casting?

• Tooling + first articles: about 4–8 weeks depending on complexity
• Repeat production orders: usually 3–5 weeks after PO and material release

Rush options are possible if the job and schedule allow.

Q: How do you ensure quality on precision aluminum casting?
We combine:

• Dimensional inspections with full layout on critical features
• Metallurgical and mechanical property checks
• Non‑destructive testing (X‑ray, dye penetrant, etc.) for mission‑critical parts

For customers needing other metals, we offer similar quality controls on titanium alloy cast and machined components as well as high‑performance copper‑based alloys like brass and bronze.

Q: Can you handle shipping and logistics in the U.S.?
Yes. We regularly ship aluminum investment castings across the United States, using your carriers or ours. We can:

• Pack to your standards (foam, dividers, labeled cartons, etc.)
• Support JIT releases and scheduled shipments
• Provide full traceability and documentation with each lot

Resources for Aluminum Investment Casting

We keep aluminum investment casting simple to spec and easy to source with practical, engineer-ready resources.

Design Guides & Datasheets

We provide clear design guides for aluminum investment casting that cover:

• Recommended wall thickness, draft, radii, and gating options
• Tolerance charts for precision aluminum casting and thin wall aluminum castings
• Material datasheets for A356 aluminum casting, 356 aluminum investment casting, and C355 aluminum alloy casting

These guides help you decide when aluminum lost wax casting is the right move versus other processes like CNC machining.

Alloy Data & Capability Charts

You get straightforward, downloadable specs that include:

• Mechanical properties for heat treated aluminum castings (T4, T5, T6)
• Comparison charts: 356 vs A356 vs C355 aluminum alloy investment casting
• Capability ranges for part size, weight, and tolerances for complex aluminum castings

We share real production ranges, not “lab-only” numbers, so you can design near net shape aluminum parts with confidence.

Process & Material Selection Articles

For engineers and buyers comparing options, we publish plain-English articles on:

• Investment casting aluminum vs die casting vs sand casting
• When to use lightweight aluminum components instead of steel or brass
• How to choose corrosion resistant aluminum alloys for aerospace aluminum casting, automotive aluminum cast components, and industrial parts

These resources are built around U.S. application needs and typical quoting workflows, so you can move from concept to RFQ without guessing.