By Coco
When sourcing high-precision metal parts from Chinese suppliers, buyers often see both terms: investment casting and lost wax casting.
Are they different processes? Or just different names for the same method?
This article explains the relationship between investment casting and lost wax casting, including pricing, factories in China, and how to choose reliable suppliers and foundries.
A comparison table is also provided for easy reference.
Contents
Are Investment Casting and Lost Wax Casting the Same?
Yes, investment casting and lost wax casting refer to the same process.
The term “lost wax casting” describes the technique in which a wax model is used to create a mold.
The term “investment casting” comes from the process of “investing” the wax pattern in a ceramic shell.
In short:
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Lost wax casting = focus on the wax pattern.
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Investment casting = focus on the ceramic mold.
Chinese manufacturers and foundries commonly use both terms interchangeably.
However, depending on the region or industry, one term may be more popular than the other.
In China, “investment casting” is more commonly used in B2B export product catalogs and international communication.
How the Process Works
The process follows these steps:
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Wax Model Creation – A wax copy of the part is made.
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Ceramic Shell Building – The wax model is coated with a ceramic material.
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Wax Removal – The ceramic shell is heated to remove the wax (hence “lost wax”).
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Metal Pouring – Molten metal is poured into the ceramic mold.
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Shell Removal and Finishing – The ceramic is broken, and the part is cleaned.
This process results in high-precision, near-net-shape metal parts with minimal need for machining.
Applications and Use Cases
Investment/lost wax casting is widely used in:
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Aerospace and automotive parts
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Pumps and valves
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Medical tools and surgical instruments
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Marine, energy, and military components
Many Chinese factories and suppliers offer OEM investment casting services using stainless steel, carbon steel, bronze, and even non-ferrous alloys.
Cost and Price Insights
The price of investment casting varies based on material, complexity, and order quantity. For example:
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Simple parts (0.5–1kg): $5–$10 per piece
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Medium complexity (1–3kg): $10–$25 per piece
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High-precision aerospace parts: $30+ per piece
China offers cost advantages due to large-scale production and skilled labor.
Many Chinese investment casting foundries in provinces like Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang offer both competitive pricing and quality assurance (ISO, CE, etc.).
Investment Casting vs Lost Wax Casting Comparison Table
| Feature | Investment Casting | Lost Wax Casting |
|---|---|---|
| Are they different? | No – same process | No – same process |
| Focus of the name | Ceramic mold building (“investment”) | Wax pattern stage (“lost wax”) |
| Common in China? | Yes, used in export businesses | Yes, used more in artisan/craft |
| Industrial use | Widely used for precision parts | Same usage |
| Manufacturers in China | Found in industrial clusters | Same foundries |
| Price range | $5–$25 per part | Same as investment casting |
| Typical materials | Stainless steel, carbon steel, etc. | Same materials |
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for investment casting suppliers in China, don’t be confused if the terms “lost wax casting” appear instead.
They refer to the same casting process, known for its high precision and smooth finishes.
Whether listed as “investment casting factory” or “lost wax casting foundry,” both offer the same high-quality service.
For global buyers, understanding this naming difference can help streamline communication with Chinese manufacturers and avoid confusion in technical discussions or RFQs.
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