Investment CastingLost-wax castings · Stainless, carbon & alloy steel
Tooling
Wax pattern dies made in our own tool room
Every investment casting starts as a wax pattern, so the dimensions of the casting are set first by the wax die. We design and make wax pattern dies in our own tool room. The cavity is scaled for wax and metal shrinkage, typically about 1.5–2.5% for steel depending on alloy and geometry, and includes the parting line, gate position and any side cores.
Most dies are machined from aluminum, which is quick to machine and light to handle; steel inserts are used where wear is high. Internal passages that cannot be pulled are made with soluble wax cores or preformed ceramic cores. After first articles are measured, the cavity is corrected if needed before production.
What goes into a wax pattern die
- Shrinkage allowance for wax and metal
- Parting line and draft for clean pattern release
- Side cores and loose pieces for undercuts
- Soluble wax or ceramic cores for internal passages
- Gate position agreed with the foundry
- Multi-cavity dies for small parts in volume
Wax pattern dies at a glance (typical)
| Die material | Aluminum for most dies; steel for long runs |
|---|---|
| Shrinkage | Wax and metal shrinkage built into the cavity |
| Features | Side actions, loose pieces, soluble or ceramic cores |
| Cavities | Single or multi-cavity, depending on part size and volume |
| Made by | Our own tool room |
Wax pattern tooling FAQ
Who owns the wax pattern die?
Normally the customer who pays for the tooling owns it. Ownership, maintenance and storage terms are written into the quotation.
Can prototypes be made without a die?
Yes. 3D printed wax or resin patterns can be investment cast for prototypes and very small quantities before the die is made.