Investment casting, also known as lost-wax casting, is a manufacturing process renowned for its precision and versatility. In this method, a wax pattern is created to form the desired shape of the metal part. This wax pattern is then coated with ceramic material to form a mold, into which molten metal is poured. Once the metal cools and solidifies, the ceramic mold is broken away, revealing the intricate metal casting beneath. This process allows for the creation of highly complex and detailed parts with excellent surface finish and dimensional accuracy. For more information on the investment casting process, please visit our Investment Castings page.

Investment casting offers a multitude of benefits that make it a preferred choice in nearly almost every industry.It can produce produce intricate and complex shapes with thin walls and fine details. Investment casting can also achieve near-net shape parts, minimizing the need for additional machining and reducing material waste. The process also allows for the casting of a wide range of metals and alloys, providing flexibility in material selection to meet specific performance requirements. Investment casting results in excellent surface finish, reducing the need for surface treatment or finishing processes.

Investment casting finds extensive application across diverse industries and can help produce a wide array of products. In glass container manufacture, investment casting examples include guide rings, plungers and baffles. In aerospace, investment casting is used to manufacture turbine blades, engine components, and structural parts. Automotive applications include engine components, transmission parts, and suspension components. Industrial machinery used for metal, food, plastic or chemical processing benefit from investment cast parts in the form of bushings, rollers, adaptors, gears and valves and more. Decorative fittings, door hardware and construction also have applications for investment castings.

Franklin’s casting capabilities encompass over 120 standard and custom alloys, including stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and brass and bronze alloys. We also specialize in nickel-based alloys, cobalt-based alloys, and specialized materials such as Ni-Hard, tailored to meet the specific requirements of demanding applications.

Project timelines for investment casting projects can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the part, the quantity required, material selection, and finishing requirements. At Franklin, we understand the importance of delivering timely and efficient service to our customers. We strive to provide fast quote turnaround times, expedited production schedules, and responsive communication throughout the project lifecycle. Our goal is to work closely with customers to meet their project deadlines and to exceed expectations for quality and service.

We pride ourselves on offering highly customizable solutions to meet the unique needs of each customer. Our experienced team collaborates closely with our customers’ teams to understand specific requirements and to provide tailored solutions. From material selection and design assistance to finishing options and secondary processes, we offer comprehensive capabilities to bring our customers’ vision to life – all in-house at our U.S.-based facility. With in-house engineering and tool-building capabilities, we have the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of requests while delivering superior results.

Franklin’s comprehensive in-house capabilities allow us to manage every aspect of your project from start to finish, thanks largely to our state-of-the-art facility that includes an investment casting foundry, a tool manufacturing plant, and a CNC machine shop. From initial design and prototyping to final machining and finishing, our skilled team can oversee every step of the process to ensure successful completion. Our extensive expertise and resources allow us to seamlessly integrate different stages of production while providing smooth coordination and timely delivery. Whether you require casting, tooling, machining, or secondary processes, Franklin is your trusted one-stop shop for everything investment casting.