The processes of Precision casting differ from sand casting and shell molding in that the molds they employ consists of only one part i.e., are not assembled from two or more parts while the pattern itself is expendable each time a casting is made. Precision casting processes offer considerable freedom to the designer and produce castings of a superior surface finish and a high degree of dimensional accuracy. Among other purposes, they are used for the casting of metals and alloys that are difficult to machine, since the castings generally require little or no finishing treatment. Such castings are used in precision engineering, clock-making, the manufacture of metal ornaments, and other fields of industrial production.
The most widely used precision casting technique is the lost-wax, or investment molding, process. When the original metal pattern has been made, the first step is to make a master mold, which may consist of two or more parts and be provided with cores. It is usually made of low-melting metal alloy which is easily workable, though in certain cases, especially where very large numbers of castings are required, steel may be used for the master mold.