Investment casting (also called lost-wax casting or precision casting) produces parts which can have a high dimensional accuracy, complex and intricate geometry, and excellent surface finish. Investment casting can produce complicated shapes that would be difficult or impossible with other casting methods. The investment casting process can achieve moderately high production rates and the per-unit costs decrease with increased volumes.

Many materials are suitable for investment casting, such as brass, aluminum, and stainless steel alloys. The process can be used for a range of sizes from small castings of a few ounces to large castings weighing several hundred pounds. It can also produce parts with remarkable surface qualities and tigher tolerances with minimal surface finishing or secondary process machining required.