Investment casting in France for prototypes and small production runs
In addition to our long-standing expertise in gravity die casting, Davergne Foundry offers an investment casting process to accelerate your developments, limit tooling investment and quickly obtain a real, functional metal part.
A complementary solution to gravity die casting
Investment casting is considered a precision casting process. It makes it possible to obtain metal parts that closely match the original model, with fine details, tight tolerances and limited machining after casting. It is particularly suitable for small production runs, prototypes and pre-series: it avoids investment in metal tooling and reduces machining time.
Our difference: unlike traditional processes that require injection tooling, we have invested in a 3D printing machine
to produce wax patterns directly. This eliminates intermediate tooling and makes us particularly responsive and competitive for small
and medium production runs.
Our main expertise remains aluminium bronze (CuAl9, CuAl10Fe2, CuAl10Fe5Ni5).
Other alloys can be studied depending on technical requirements and operating conditions.
Key characteristics
Simple and clear technical benchmarks to define your requirements from the very first discussion.
Surface roughness
Controlled finish for technical components.
Dimensional tolerance
Suitable for demanding industrial parts.
Maximum part weight
Designed for small production runs and prototypes.
Possible dimensions
Maximum achievable envelope (L × W × H).
Manufacturing steps
In short: your part is scanned and printed in wax, a mold is created around it, the metal replaces the wax, then finishing and inspection are carried out.
Engineering office
From your parts, drawings or 3D files, we validate feasibility and adapt the part for casting.
Result: a production-ready definition.
Wax 3D printing & assembly
We directly print your wax patterns without an injection mold, then assemble them into a cluster.
Result: an accurate model that can be modified quickly.
Mold production
The cluster is coated with a refractory material, plaster or ceramic, to create a single-use shell.
Result: a mold ready to receive the metal.
Metal casting
The metal is melted and poured into the mold. After solidification, the mold is broken to release the cluster.
Result: a raw part faithful to the original model.
Finishing & inspection
Cutting, deburring, finishing and dimensional inspection. Machining is possible if required.
Result: a finished part ready for use.
Investment casting or gravity die casting?
The right choice depends on volume, geometry, lead time and available budget.
Investment casting
Ideal for small production runs, prototypes, complex parts and fast design modifications.
- No prior metal mold required
- Direct wax 3D printing, without injection tooling
- Ra 1.6 • JS13 • up to 2 kg
Gravity die casting
Optimized for higher volumes where tooling investment can be amortized.
- Medium and large production runs
- Optimized unit cost for series production
- Historical expertise of Davergne Foundry
Do you have a small series or rapid prototyping project?
Describe your requirement: quantity, dimensions, constraints and lead time, and attach a drawing or 3D file. We will provide a technical review and recommend the most relevant manufacturing process.
FAQ — Investment Casting
Short answers to frequently asked questions.
