Casting Process Archives - MetalTek

Sand Casting vs. Investment Casting for Pump Impellers: Which Process is Right for You?

Dave Olsen — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 19:11:46 +0000

When it comes to manufacturing pump impellers, choosing the right casting process is critical. Two widely used metal casting methods for impellers are sand casting and investment casting. Both methods have distinct advantages and limitations, and the choice between them depends on design complexity, required performance, cost, and production quantities. In this article, we’ll compare…

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Investment Casting vs. CNC vs. 3D Printing: The Best Way To Make Pump Impellers

Dave Olsen — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:30:06 +0000

When it comes to pump impeller manufacturing, manufacturers evaluate several production methods including CNC machining, investment casting, and 3D metal printing. Each has its strengths, but when it comes to balancing cost, design flexibility, and performance, investment casting consistently emerges as the best choice. In this article, we’ll explore: What is Investment Casting? Investment casting,…

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Additive Manufacturing vs. Casting: When to Use Each

Dave Olsen — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 20:02:54 +0000

In the world of manufacturing metal components, choosing the right method is crucial. Additive manufacturing and casting are two prominent techniques. Each offers unique advantages and challenges. Additive manufacturing, often called 3D printing, builds parts layer by layer. This allows for intricate designs and minimal waste. It’s ideal for prototypes and small production runs. Metal…

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Improving Surface Finish And Cost In Metal Casting

Dave Olsen — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:04:31 +0000

Metal surface finish can play a key role in the metal casting process. Why? Because this affects both how a product works, looks, and its cost. For metal casting, optimizing this process is vital. This article explores the nuances of surface finish in metal casting, offering insights into balancing cost and performance effectively. The Importance…

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What is Vacuum Investment Casting?

Robb Edwards — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:44:12 +0000

Manufacturers in high-compliance industries such as aerospace, defense, and energy continually identify ways to improve the quality and precision of their metal components. One such advanced method is vacuum investment casting. If you are familiar with traditional metal casting processes but have not explored the potential of vacuum investment casting, this blog will offer insight…

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Investment Casting Misconceptions

Dave Olsen — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 18:58:57 +0000

Investment casting has many benefits over other casting processes. Ranging from cost savings (reduced machining costs and material use) to fine detail, tight tolerances, and superb surface finishes. MetalTek’s Wisconsin Investcast Division produces investment castings up to 1,000 lbs. (finished weight). While there certainly are some drawbacks to investment casting, those aren’t related to the…

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Comparing Costs for Investment Casting, Sand Casting, and Centrifugal Casting

Dave Olsen — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 16:36:42 +0000

When considering the production of complex metal components, it is important to evaluate the costs associated with different metal casting methods. There are several factors that go into “all-in” costs. These factors include tooling and tooling maintenance, material costs and machining. Below is a comparison of the all-in costs of three popular metal casting processes:…

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Experiencing Supply Chain Issues With Your Current Investment Casting Supplier?

Dave Olsen — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:43:45 +0000

Are you experiencing supply chain issues with your current metal manufacturing vendors? In today’s marketplace, long lead times, poor customer service, and material shortages are becoming the new normal for many companies. Feel free to pick your reason for why this is happening, but does it matter? You, as a customer, simply care about a…

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Tooling for Investment Casting: What Is The Process and How Does It Work?

Dave Olsen — Wed, 17 May 2023 20:08:00 +0000

Investment casting (also known as lost-wax casting) is a common manufacturing process used to create metal parts with fine detail and tight tolerances. The investment casting method involves the creation of a tool, typically made from a high-grade aluminum alloy, that serves as a mold for wax. Hot wax or plastic is poured into the…

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Die Casting vs. Investment Casting vs. Sand Casting

Dave Olsen — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 18:59:08 +0000

Casting is a manufacturing process of pouring molten metal into a mold to create a desired shape. Once the metal solidifies, the mold is removed, and the part is produced. Three similar casting processes are: die casting, investment casting, and sand casting. Selecting the appropriate casting method for your project is as important as selecting…

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