What are the typical limitations of investment casting in terms of part size and weight?

Investment casting, while highly versatile and capable of producing intricate and detailed components, does have limitations in terms of part size and weight. Here are the typical constraints:  

1. Part Size:  

  - Investment casting is generally best suited for small to medium-sized parts.  

  - The practical size limit typically ranges from a few centimeters to around 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length, depending on the foundry's capabilities.  

  - Larger molds are challenging to manage due to the risk of distortion or breakage during the casting and cooling processes.  

2. Part Weight:  

  - The weight range for investment casting usually falls between 1 ounce (30 grams) to around 75 pounds (34 kilograms).  

  - Some advanced facilities may be able to cast parts up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms), but this is not common due to handling and mold stability issues.  

3. Material Restrictions:  

  - While investment casting supports a wide range of materials, certain high-temperature alloys can introduce limitations due to mold degradation.  

4. Cost and Complexity:  

  - For extremely large or heavy components, other methods like sand casting or permanent mold casting may be more practical and cost-effective.  

These limitations make investment casting ideal for producing small, complex parts with high precision, such as aerospace components, medical implants, and intricate automotive parts.