Investment CastingLost-wax castings · Stainless, carbon & alloy steel
Materials
Alloys for investment casting
Most castable steels and many non-ferrous alloys can be investment cast. The grade is chosen for the corrosion environment, strength and hardness, operating temperature, weldability and cost. Cast grades are specified to ASTM, EN, DIN, JIS or GB standards, and we work to the standard on your drawing. If a drawing names a wrought grade such as 316 or 4140, we confirm the cast equivalent with you before quoting.
Common alloy families and typical uses
| Alloy family | Typical grades | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| Austenitic stainless | 304 / CF8, 304L / CF3, 316 / CF8M, 316L / CF3M | Pumps, valves, fittings, food and marine parts |
| Precipitation-hardening stainless | 17-4PH / CB7Cu-1 | High-strength corrosion-resistant parts |
| Duplex stainless | 2205 / CD3MN and similar | Seawater and chloride service |
| Martensitic stainless | 410 / CA15, 420 / CA40, 431 | Hardenable wear and cutting parts |
| Carbon steel | 1020, 1045, WCB (ASTM A216) | Machinery parts, levers, brackets, valve bodies |
| Low-alloy steel | 4130, 4140, 8620 | Heat-treated strength and wear parts |
| Tool steel | H13, D2 and similar | Wear-resistant and tooling components |
| Copper alloys | Brass, bronze, aluminum bronze | Marine, plumbing and decorative parts |
Grade equivalents are approximate; the standard named on the drawing governs chemistry and properties.
Alloys FAQ
What is the cast equivalent of 304 and 316 stainless steel?
CF8 and CF8M under ASTM A351/A743/A744 are the cast grades corresponding to 304 and 316; CF3 and CF3M are the low-carbon versions corresponding to 304L and 316L.
What is 17-4PH used for?
Parts that need both corrosion resistance and high strength, such as valve stems and trim, pump parts, impellers, brackets and industrial hardware. Strength and toughness depend on the aging condition: H900 gives the highest strength, H1150 better toughness. The cast grade is CB7Cu-1 to ASTM A747.
Can aluminum be investment cast?
Yes, aluminum alloys can be investment cast, although many aluminum parts are made more economically by die casting or other casting processes.