Comparison between Investment Casting and Other Technologies | SR Tech<\/title> <meta name=\"description\" content=\"Technical comparison between investment casting, sand casting, MIM, CNC machining, die casting and gravity casting: materials, production volumes, accuracy, costs and design freedom.\"> <\/p>\n<style> #sr-compare{--red:#d71920;--dark:#171a1f;--steel:#59626b;--line:#dfe3e7;--soft:#f4f5f6;--green:#16845b;--amber:#c47a09;color:var(--dark);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:17px;line-height:1.65;background:#fff;overflow:hidden} #sr-compare *{box-sizing:border-box}#sr-compare a{text-decoration:none}#sr-compare .wrap{width:min(1180px,calc(100% - 40px));margin:auto}#sr-compare h1,#sr-compare h2,#sr-compare h3{margin-top:0;line-height:1.12;color:var(--dark)}#sr-compare h1{max-width:880px;margin-bottom:22px;color:#fff;font-size:clamp(40px,5.7vw,70px);letter-spacing:-.035em}#sr-compare 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8px!important;font-size:10px}#sr-compare .fact strong{font-size:14px}#sr-compare .section{padding:60px 0}#sr-compare .criteria,#sr-compare .tech-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}#sr-compare .section-head{display:block}#sr-compare .section-head h2{margin-bottom:15px}#sr-compare .guide-row{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:3px}#sr-compare .cta-inner{grid-template-columns:1fr}} <\/style>\n<p><\/head><body><main id=\"sr-compare\"> <\/p>\n<header class=\"hero\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"wrap\">\n<div class=\"hero-copy\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"kicker\">Manufacturing process selection<\/div>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h1>Investment casting or another technology?<\/h1>\n<p> <pee class=\"lead\">Material, geometry, dimensions, production volumes and required finish determine the most suitable process. This comparison helps assess the total manufacturing cost, not just the unit price.<\/pee> <\/p>\n<div class=\"actions\"><a class=\"btn btn-red\" href=\"https:\/\/srtech.it\/en\/investment-casting-products\/\">View investment cast products \u2192<\/a><a class=\"btn btn-outline\" href=\"mailto:commerciale@srtech.it?subject=Manufacturing%20technology%20evaluation\">Send a drawing for evaluation<\/a><\/div>\n<p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <\/p>\n<div class=\"hero-bar\">\n<div class=\"wrap hero-facts\">\n<div class=\"fact\"><strong>01 \u00b7 Material<\/strong>alloy and required performance<\/div>\n<div class=\"fact\"><strong>02 \u00b7 Geometry<\/strong>shapes, wall thicknesses and tolerances<\/div>\n<div class=\"fact\"><strong>03 \u00b7 Volumes<\/strong>tooling and unit cost<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <\/header>\n<p> <\/p>\n<section class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"wrap intro\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"kicker\">Before comparing<\/div>\n<h2>There is no single best manufacturing technology<\/h2>\n<pee>Investment casting is particularly competitive for complex components in stainless steel, carbon steel and special alloys when near-net-shape geometries and reduced machining are required.<\/pee><pee>Other processes may be more suitable when very large dimensions, very high production volumes, very low part weights or tolerances achievable only by machining are the main requirements.<\/pee><\/div>\n<div class=\"criteria\">\n<div class=\"criterion\"><strong>Material<\/strong><span>Ferrous, non-ferrous and special alloys<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"criterion\"><strong>Production volume<\/strong><span>Prototypes, small batches or large series<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"criterion\"><strong>Geometry<\/strong><span>Undercuts, cavities and thin walls<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"criterion\"><strong>Accuracy<\/strong><span>Required tolerances and surface roughness<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"criterion\"><strong>Investment<\/strong><span>Tooling cost and service life<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"criterion\"><strong>Total cost<\/strong><span>Production, scrap and CNC machining<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p> <\/p>\n<section class=\"section soft\">\n<div class=\"wrap\">\n<div class=\"section-head\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"kicker\">Comparison table<\/div>\n<h2>Six manufacturing technologies compared<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <\/p>\n<div class=\"table-shell\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Comparison of manufacturing technologies\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<table> <\/p>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Parameter<\/th>\n<th class=\"featured\">Investment casting<\/th>\n<th>Sand casting<\/th>\n<th>MIM<\/th>\n<th>CNC machining<\/th>\n<th>Die casting<\/th>\n<th>Gravity casting<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tbody> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Materials<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">Stainless steels, carbon steels, alloy steels and special alloys<\/td>\n<td>Ferrous and non-ferrous alloys<\/td>\n<td>Steels and alloys compatible with sintering<\/td>\n<td>Almost all machinable materials<\/td>\n<td>Aluminum, zinc and magnesium<\/td>\n<td>Mainly aluminum and other non-ferrous alloys<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Indicative part weight<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">From a few grams to approximately 100 kg<\/td>\n<td>From approximately 1 kg to very large components<\/td>\n<td>Typically up to approximately 100 g<\/td>\n<td>Highly variable<\/td>\n<td>From a few grams to approximately 15 kg<\/td>\n<td>From approximately 0.1 to 200 kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Indicative production volume<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">Tens of parts \u2013 large series<\/td>\n<td>Single parts \u2013 large series<\/td>\n<td>Medium and large series<\/td>\n<td>Single parts \u2013 large series<\/td>\n<td>Large series<\/td>\n<td>Small \u2013 medium series<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Tooling cost<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\"><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot med\"><\/i>Medium-low<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>Low<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot med\"><\/i>Medium-high<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>Very low<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot low\"><\/i>High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot med\"><\/i>Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Unit cost<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">Medium, competitive for complex geometries<\/td>\n<td>Medium-high<\/td>\n<td>Low at high production volumes<\/td>\n<td>High for complex geometries<\/td>\n<td>Low at high production volumes<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>As-cast accuracy<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\"><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot low\"><\/i>Low<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>High<\/span><\/td>\n<td>Not applicable: machining process<\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot med\"><\/i>Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Surface finish<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">Good; approximately Ra 1.6\u20136.3 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td>Rougher; often requires secondary machining<\/td>\n<td>Very good<\/td>\n<td>From good to very high<\/td>\n<td>Very good<\/td>\n<td>Intermediate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Design freedom<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\"><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>Very high<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>Very high su pezzi piccoli<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot med\"><\/i>Limited by tool access<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot med\"><\/i>High, with part-ejection constraints<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot med\"><\/i>Medium-high<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Thin walls<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">Good capability, to be verified according to alloy and surface area<\/td>\n<td>More limited<\/td>\n<td>Excellent for small components<\/td>\n<td>Possible, but potentially costly or delicate<\/td>\n<td>Excellent<\/td>\n<td>Intermediate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Secondary machining<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">Reduced; required for tight functional dimensions<\/td>\n<td>Often extensive<\/td>\n<td>Generally reduced<\/td>\n<td>They are the manufacturing process<\/td>\n<td>Reduced<\/td>\n<td>Moderate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Typical application<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">Complex steel parts, near-net-shape<\/td>\n<td>Large components and small batches<\/td>\n<td>Small complex parts in large series<\/td>\n<td>From single parts to very high production volumes, with highly accurate dimensions<\/td>\n<td>Large series in leghe leggere<\/td>\n<td>Medium-sized non-ferrous castings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/tbody>\n<p> <\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p> <pee class=\"table-note\">* Ranges and performance values are indicative: alloy, dimensions, wall thicknesses, geometry, parting line, tooling and inspection requirements can affect the result. Final tolerances must be agreed after reviewing the drawing.<\/pee> <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p> <\/p>\n<section class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"wrap\">\n<div class=\"section-head\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"kicker\">When to choose them<\/div>\n<h2>The strength of each manufacturing process<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<pee>A quick overview to identify which manufacturing technologies should be evaluated in more detail before quotation.<\/pee><\/div>\n<div class=\"tech-grid\"> <\/p>\n<article class=\"tech primary\"><span class=\"tech-tag\">Investment casting<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Complex steel geometries<\/h3>\n<pee>Suitable for near-net-shape components, fine details, undercuts and ferrous or special alloys.<\/pee><strong>Ideal for: complex geometries, good accuracy, reduced machining.<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/srtech.it\/en\/investment-casting\/\">Learn more about investment casting \u2192<\/a><\/article>\n<p> <\/p>\n<article class=\"tech\"><span class=\"tech-tag\">Sand casting<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Large dimensions and small batches<\/h3>\n<pee>Flexible in terms of materials and part weights, with low-cost tooling but lower dimensional accuracy and surface quality.<\/pee><strong>Ideal for: large parts, low quantities and geometries requiring finishing.<\/strong><\/article>\n<p> <\/p>\n<article class=\"tech\"><span class=\"tech-tag\">MIM<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Small components in large series<\/h3>\n<pee>Combines design freedom and metallic materials for lightweight components produced in high volumes.<\/pee><strong>Ideal for: low part weights, complex details and high production volumes.<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/srtech.it\/en\/mim-metal-injection-moulding\/\">Learn more about MIM \u2192<\/a><\/article>\n<p> <\/p>\n<article class=\"tech\"><span class=\"tech-tag\">CNC<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Maximum accuracy on functional dimensions<\/h3>\n<pee>Requires no dedicated casting tool and is highly flexible, but machining time and cost increase with material removal and geometric complexity.<\/pee><strong>Ideal for: single parts through to very high production volumes, with tight tolerances.<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/srtech.it\/en\/cnc-production\/\">Learn more about CNC machining \u2192<\/a><\/article>\n<p> <\/p>\n<article class=\"tech\"><span class=\"tech-tag\">Die casting<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Large series in alluminio e zama<\/h3>\n<pee>Provides fast production cycles and excellent repeatability, with higher tooling costs and limitations on suitable materials.<\/pee><strong>Ideal for: high production volumes and non-ferrous alloys.<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/srtech.it\/en\/aluminum-and-zamak-die-casting\/\">Learn more about die casting \u2192<\/a><\/article>\n<p> <\/p>\n<article class=\"tech\"><span class=\"tech-tag\">Gravity casting<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Medium-sized non-ferrous castings<\/h3>\n<pee>An intermediate solution for light alloys, with lower tooling investment and production volumes than high-pressure die casting.<\/pee><strong>Ideal for: small to medium production series in aluminum.<\/strong><\/article>\n<p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p> <\/p>\n<section class=\"section soft\">\n<div class=\"wrap guide\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"kicker\">Quick selection guide<\/div>\n<h2>Start from the project priority<\/h2>\n<pee>The right choice comes from balancing technical requirements with the total industrial cost.<\/pee><\/div>\n<div class=\"guide-list\">\n<div class=\"guide-row\"><strong>Steel + complex geometry<\/strong><span>Evaluate investment casting first.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"guide-row\"><strong>Aluminum + high volumes<\/strong><span>Compare die casting and gravity casting.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"guide-row\"><strong>Very small component<\/strong><span>Compare MIM and investment casting according to production volumes.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"guide-row\"><strong>Large dimensions<\/strong><span>Sand casting offers greater freedom in terms of part weight and overall dimensions.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"guide-row\"><strong>Very tight tolerances<\/strong><span>Plan CNC machining on critical functional surfaces.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p> <\/p>\n<section class=\"cta\">\n<div class=\"wrap cta-inner\">\n<div>\n<h2>Which manufacturing technology is right for your component?<\/h2>\n<pee>Send us your 2D or 3D drawing, material specification, tolerances and required quantities. We will compare the process, tooling, machining requirements and total cost.<\/pee><\/div>\n<p><a class=\"btn\" href=\"mailto:commerciale@srtech.it?subject=Manufacturing%20technology%20comparison%20for%20new%20component\">Send your drawing \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/main><\/body><\/html>[\/et_pb_fullwidth_code][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2144,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6099","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n<title>Comparison between investment casting and other technologies | SR Tech srl - Articoli Tecnici a Disegno<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/srtech.it\/en\/comparison-between-investment-casting-and-other-technologies\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Comparison between investment casting and other technologies | SR Tech srl - 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{"id":6099,"date":"2026-09-16T15:02:25","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T15:02:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/srtech.it\/?page_id=6099"},"modified":"2026-09-17T17:01:39","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T17:01:39","slug":"comparison-between-investment-casting-and-other-technologies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/srtech.it\/en\/comparison-between-investment-casting-and-other-technologies\/","title":{"rendered":"Comparison between investment casting and other technologies"},"content":{"rendered":"

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0;background:var(--red);color:#fff}#sr-compare .cta-inner{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr auto;gap:40px;align-items:center}#sr-compare .cta h2{margin-bottom:12px;color:#fff}#sr-compare .cta p{max-width:730px;margin-bottom:0;color:#ffe8e9}#sr-compare .cta .btn{background:#fff;color:var(--red);white-space:nowrap} @media(max-width:980px){#sr-compare .intro,#sr-compare .guide{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:38px}#sr-compare .tech-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}#sr-compare .hero:after{inset:20% -15% 0 28%}#sr-compare .cta-inner{grid-template-columns:1fr}} @media(max-width:700px){#sr-compare{font-size:16px}#sr-compare .wrap{width:min(100% - 28px,1180px)}#sr-compare .hero{min-height:790px;align-items:flex-start}#sr-compare .hero-copy{padding:58px 0 265px}#sr-compare .hero:before{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#0b0d10 0%,#0b0d10 58%,rgba(11,13,16,.55) 100%)}#sr-compare .hero:after{inset:47% -28% 10% 0;opacity:.4;-webkit-mask-image:linear-gradient(180deg,transparent,#000 30%);mask-image:linear-gradient(180deg,transparent,#000 30%)}#sr-compare .lead{font-size:18px}#sr-compare .actions{display:grid}#sr-compare .btn{width:100%}#sr-compare .fact{padding:14px 8px!important;font-size:10px}#sr-compare .fact strong{font-size:14px}#sr-compare .section{padding:60px 0}#sr-compare .criteria,#sr-compare .tech-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}#sr-compare .section-head{display:block}#sr-compare .section-head h2{margin-bottom:15px}#sr-compare .guide-row{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:3px}#sr-compare .cta-inner{grid-template-columns:1fr}} <\/style>\n<p><\/head><body><main id=\"sr-compare\"> <\/p>\n<header class=\"hero\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"wrap\">\n<div class=\"hero-copy\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"kicker\">Manufacturing process selection<\/div>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h1>Investment casting or another technology?<\/h1>\n<p> <pee class=\"lead\">Material, geometry, dimensions, production volumes and required finish determine the most suitable process. This comparison helps assess the total manufacturing cost, not just the unit price.<\/pee> <\/p>\n<div class=\"actions\"><a class=\"btn btn-red\" href=\"https:\/\/srtech.it\/en\/investment-casting-products\/\">View investment cast products \u2192<\/a><a class=\"btn btn-outline\" href=\"mailto:commerciale@srtech.it?subject=Manufacturing%20technology%20evaluation\">Send a drawing for evaluation<\/a><\/div>\n<p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <\/p>\n<div class=\"hero-bar\">\n<div class=\"wrap hero-facts\">\n<div class=\"fact\"><strong>01 \u00b7 Material<\/strong>alloy and required performance<\/div>\n<div class=\"fact\"><strong>02 \u00b7 Geometry<\/strong>shapes, wall thicknesses and tolerances<\/div>\n<div class=\"fact\"><strong>03 \u00b7 Volumes<\/strong>tooling and unit cost<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <\/header>\n<p> <\/p>\n<section class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"wrap intro\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"kicker\">Before comparing<\/div>\n<h2>There is no single best manufacturing technology<\/h2>\n<pee>Investment casting is particularly competitive for complex components in stainless steel, carbon steel and special alloys when near-net-shape geometries and reduced machining are required.<\/pee><pee>Other processes may be more suitable when very large dimensions, very high production volumes, very low part weights or tolerances achievable only by machining are the main requirements.<\/pee><\/div>\n<div class=\"criteria\">\n<div class=\"criterion\"><strong>Material<\/strong><span>Ferrous, non-ferrous and special alloys<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"criterion\"><strong>Production volume<\/strong><span>Prototypes, small batches or large series<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"criterion\"><strong>Geometry<\/strong><span>Undercuts, cavities and thin walls<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"criterion\"><strong>Accuracy<\/strong><span>Required tolerances and surface roughness<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"criterion\"><strong>Investment<\/strong><span>Tooling cost and service life<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"criterion\"><strong>Total cost<\/strong><span>Production, scrap and CNC machining<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p> <\/p>\n<section class=\"section soft\">\n<div class=\"wrap\">\n<div class=\"section-head\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"kicker\">Comparison table<\/div>\n<h2>Six manufacturing technologies compared<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <\/p>\n<div class=\"table-shell\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Comparison of manufacturing technologies\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<table> <\/p>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Parameter<\/th>\n<th class=\"featured\">Investment casting<\/th>\n<th>Sand casting<\/th>\n<th>MIM<\/th>\n<th>CNC machining<\/th>\n<th>Die casting<\/th>\n<th>Gravity casting<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tbody> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Materials<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">Stainless steels, carbon steels, alloy steels and special alloys<\/td>\n<td>Ferrous and non-ferrous alloys<\/td>\n<td>Steels and alloys compatible with sintering<\/td>\n<td>Almost all machinable materials<\/td>\n<td>Aluminum, zinc and magnesium<\/td>\n<td>Mainly aluminum and other non-ferrous alloys<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Indicative part weight<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">From a few grams to approximately 100 kg<\/td>\n<td>From approximately 1 kg to very large components<\/td>\n<td>Typically up to approximately 100 g<\/td>\n<td>Highly variable<\/td>\n<td>From a few grams to approximately 15 kg<\/td>\n<td>From approximately 0.1 to 200 kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Indicative production volume<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">Tens of parts \u2013 large series<\/td>\n<td>Single parts \u2013 large series<\/td>\n<td>Medium and large series<\/td>\n<td>Single parts \u2013 large series<\/td>\n<td>Large series<\/td>\n<td>Small \u2013 medium series<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Tooling cost<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\"><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot med\"><\/i>Medium-low<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>Low<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot med\"><\/i>Medium-high<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>Very low<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot low\"><\/i>High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot med\"><\/i>Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Unit cost<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">Medium, competitive for complex geometries<\/td>\n<td>Medium-high<\/td>\n<td>Low at high production volumes<\/td>\n<td>High for complex geometries<\/td>\n<td>Low at high production volumes<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>As-cast accuracy<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\"><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot low\"><\/i>Low<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>High<\/span><\/td>\n<td>Not applicable: machining process<\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot med\"><\/i>Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Surface finish<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">Good; approximately Ra 1.6\u20136.3 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td>Rougher; often requires secondary machining<\/td>\n<td>Very good<\/td>\n<td>From good to very high<\/td>\n<td>Very good<\/td>\n<td>Intermediate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Design freedom<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\"><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>Very high<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot high\"><\/i>Very high su pezzi piccoli<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot med\"><\/i>Limited by tool access<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot med\"><\/i>High, with part-ejection constraints<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span class=\"rating\"><i class=\"dot med\"><\/i>Medium-high<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Thin walls<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">Good capability, to be verified according to alloy and surface area<\/td>\n<td>More limited<\/td>\n<td>Excellent for small components<\/td>\n<td>Possible, but potentially costly or delicate<\/td>\n<td>Excellent<\/td>\n<td>Intermediate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Secondary machining<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">Reduced; required for tight functional dimensions<\/td>\n<td>Often extensive<\/td>\n<td>Generally reduced<\/td>\n<td>They are the manufacturing process<\/td>\n<td>Reduced<\/td>\n<td>Moderate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/p>\n<tr>\n<th>Typical application<\/th>\n<td class=\"featured\">Complex steel parts, near-net-shape<\/td>\n<td>Large components and small batches<\/td>\n<td>Small complex parts in large series<\/td>\n<td>From single parts to very high production volumes, with highly accurate dimensions<\/td>\n<td>Large series in leghe leggere<\/td>\n<td>Medium-sized non-ferrous castings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<p> <\/tbody>\n<p> <\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p> <pee class=\"table-note\">* Ranges and performance values are indicative: alloy, dimensions, wall thicknesses, geometry, parting line, tooling and inspection requirements can affect the result. Final tolerances must be agreed after reviewing the drawing.<\/pee> <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p> <\/p>\n<section class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"wrap\">\n<div class=\"section-head\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"kicker\">When to choose them<\/div>\n<h2>The strength of each manufacturing process<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<pee>A quick overview to identify which manufacturing technologies should be evaluated in more detail before quotation.<\/pee><\/div>\n<div class=\"tech-grid\"> <\/p>\n<article class=\"tech primary\"><span class=\"tech-tag\">Investment casting<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Complex steel geometries<\/h3>\n<pee>Suitable for near-net-shape components, fine details, undercuts and ferrous or special alloys.<\/pee><strong>Ideal for: complex geometries, good accuracy, reduced machining.<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/srtech.it\/en\/investment-casting\/\">Learn more about investment casting \u2192<\/a><\/article>\n<p> <\/p>\n<article class=\"tech\"><span class=\"tech-tag\">Sand casting<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Large dimensions and small batches<\/h3>\n<pee>Flexible in terms of materials and part weights, with low-cost tooling but lower dimensional accuracy and surface quality.<\/pee><strong>Ideal for: large parts, low quantities and geometries requiring finishing.<\/strong><\/article>\n<p> <\/p>\n<article class=\"tech\"><span class=\"tech-tag\">MIM<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Small components in large series<\/h3>\n<pee>Combines design freedom and metallic materials for lightweight components produced in high volumes.<\/pee><strong>Ideal for: low part weights, complex details and high production volumes.<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/srtech.it\/en\/mim-metal-injection-moulding\/\">Learn more about MIM \u2192<\/a><\/article>\n<p> <\/p>\n<article class=\"tech\"><span class=\"tech-tag\">CNC<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Maximum accuracy on functional dimensions<\/h3>\n<pee>Requires no dedicated casting tool and is highly flexible, but machining time and cost increase with material removal and geometric complexity.<\/pee><strong>Ideal for: single parts through to very high production volumes, with tight tolerances.<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/srtech.it\/en\/cnc-production\/\">Learn more about CNC machining \u2192<\/a><\/article>\n<p> <\/p>\n<article class=\"tech\"><span class=\"tech-tag\">Die casting<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Large series in alluminio e zama<\/h3>\n<pee>Provides fast production cycles and excellent repeatability, with higher tooling costs and limitations on suitable materials.<\/pee><strong>Ideal for: high production volumes and non-ferrous alloys.<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/srtech.it\/en\/aluminum-and-zamak-die-casting\/\">Learn more about die casting \u2192<\/a><\/article>\n<p> <\/p>\n<article class=\"tech\"><span class=\"tech-tag\">Gravity casting<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Medium-sized non-ferrous castings<\/h3>\n<pee>An intermediate solution for light alloys, with lower tooling investment and production volumes than high-pressure die casting.<\/pee><strong>Ideal for: small to medium production series in aluminum.<\/strong><\/article>\n<p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p> <\/p>\n<section class=\"section soft\">\n<div class=\"wrap guide\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"kicker\">Quick selection guide<\/div>\n<h2>Start from the project priority<\/h2>\n<pee>The right choice comes from balancing technical requirements with the total industrial cost.<\/pee><\/div>\n<div class=\"guide-list\">\n<div class=\"guide-row\"><strong>Steel + complex geometry<\/strong><span>Evaluate investment casting first.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"guide-row\"><strong>Aluminum + high volumes<\/strong><span>Compare die casting and gravity casting.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"guide-row\"><strong>Very small component<\/strong><span>Compare MIM and investment casting according to production volumes.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"guide-row\"><strong>Large dimensions<\/strong><span>Sand casting offers greater freedom in terms of part weight and overall dimensions.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"guide-row\"><strong>Very tight tolerances<\/strong><span>Plan CNC machining on critical functional surfaces.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p> <\/p>\n<section class=\"cta\">\n<div class=\"wrap cta-inner\">\n<div>\n<h2>Which manufacturing technology is right for your component?<\/h2>\n<pee>Send us your 2D or 3D drawing, material specification, tolerances and required quantities. We will compare the process, tooling, machining requirements and total cost.<\/pee><\/div>\n<p><a class=\"btn\" href=\"mailto:commerciale@srtech.it?subject=Manufacturing%20technology%20comparison%20for%20new%20component\">Send your drawing \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/main><\/body><\/html>[\/et_pb_fullwidth_code][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2144,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6099","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n<title>Comparison between investment casting and other technologies | SR Tech srl - Articoli Tecnici a Disegno<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/srtech.it\/en\/comparison-between-investment-casting-and-other-technologies\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Comparison between investment casting and other technologies | SR Tech srl - 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