Advantages | Limitations |
Sand Almost any metal cast, no limit to size,shape or weight and low tooling cost |
Sand Some finishing required; somewhat coarse finish; wide tolerances |
Shell Mould Good dimensional accuracy and surface finish; high production rate |
Shell Mould Part size limited; expensive patterns and equipment required |
Expandable pattern Most metal cast with no size limit, complex shapes cast easily |
Expandable pattern Patterns have low strength and can be costly for low quantities. |
Plaster Mould Intricate shapes, good dimensional accuracy and finish, low porosity |
Plaster Mould Limited to non-ferrous metals; limited size of volume and production; relatively long mould making time |
Ceramic Mould Intricate shapes, close tolerances part; good surface finish |
Ceramic Mould Limited size |
Investment Intricate shapes; excellent surface finish and accuracy almost any metal cast |
Investment Part size limited; expensive patterns, equipment and labour |
Permanent Mould Good dimensional accuracy and surface finish; high production rate; low porosity |
Permanent Mould High mould cost; limited shape and intricact; not suitable for high melting point metals |
Die Excellent dimensional accuracy and surface finish; high production rates |
Die High die cost; part size limited; usually limited to non-ferrous metals; long lead time |
Centrifugal Large cylindrical parts with good quality; high production rates |
Centrifugal Equipment is expensive; part shape limited |