Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve listed some of our most frequently asked questions below. If you have additional questions regarding our services or the investment casting process, please contact us for assistance.

Investment Casting Services & Capabilities

What type of alloys do you pour?

Our casting foundry pours over 75 ferrous and non-ferrous alloys including stainless steel, aluminum, cobalt-based alloys, and more. Please contact us if your project requires an alloy not listed on our website, as we can typically provide quotes for additional alloys.

What is the largest casting size you can handle?

Our foundry typically casts parts weighing up to 30 lbs. with lengths up to 16 inches.  If your part exceeds these limits, please contact us, as we may be able to accomodate your project.

Does investment casting work for projects requiring strict tolerances? 

The investment casting process is designed to accommodate strict tolerances and provide accuracy and repeatability. All castings we produce have dimensional tolerances that meet or exceed industry standards.

Are all processes handled in-house?

In most instances, all processes are completed in-house.  Our in-house secondary and support services are NADCAP accredited and include heat treating, welding, and nondestructive testing. We also perform hardness testing and CAD modeling in-house.  If additional outside services are required, such as HIPping, they are performed by a select group of NADCAP approved suppliers.

Do you offer rapid prototyping services?

Yes. All that is required is a 3D model and parts can be produced in as little as 6 weeks without the cost commitment of traditional tooling. We have been producing rapid prototypes for decades and have experience with many different part configurations and prototype materials.

Investment Casting Tooling

Is tooling required to produce investment castings?

No, however at the right quantities, machined aluminum tooling is a cost-effective solution vs. rapid prototyping and is relatively inexpensive compared to die casting or metal injection molding.

What is the expected tool life?

If well maintained, tooling can last almost indefinitely. At EPCO we continue to produce castings from tooling that was fabricated decades ago.

Is tooling the property of Engineered Precision Casting Company?

No, tooling is owned by the customer for their exclusive use but maintained by EPCO. In addition, we accept transfer tooling with what usually amounts to only a minimum adaptation charge.

Production and Lead Times

What is the minimum casting lot size I can order?

As a job shop, we are capable of supplying a single part or filling orders for thousands. Since the size, alloy, and requirements of each casting vary, EPCO uses a minimum ship lot charge.

What is the typical lead time for a casting? 

If new tooling is required, samples are typically supplied in 10 to 12 weeks. After sample approval, production castings can usually be supplied in 10 to 12 weeks for commercial parts and 12 to 16 weeks for aerospace and defense parts.  Lead times can vary depending on the requirements of each job, so it is best to contact us directly to review the specfics of your part.  

Contact Us to Discuss Your Investment Casting Project 

Our capabilities include investment casting, heat treatment, nondestructive testing and more to provide you with complete solutions for your project. Request a quote today or contact us to discuss your unique needs.