High-quality parts, efficiency, and profitability all play vital roles in ensuring an OEM’s business success. Unfortunately, not all investment casting suppliers possess the expertise and range of capabilities for manufacturing parts with the utmost production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

So, what should you look for when considering which supplier to choose? Read on to find out so you can make a decision that you’ll be fully satisfied with now and for the long term!

Tips for Picking the Right Investment Casting Vendor for Your Company

1. Look for someone who can optimize your designs and tooling.

An investment casting supplier with in-house engineers and designers who have proven experience can help you keep costs down while delivering a smooth process and superior results. Seek a vendor who demonstrates mastery in designing parts with complex geometries and working with an array of metals and alloys.

They should be able to create or improve upon your existing designs and tooling to ensure your investment castings consistently meet critical dimensions and strict tolerances—even on high-volume production runs—to eliminate costly rework and guarantee on-time project completion. 

At Lamothermic, our expert designers and engineers are committed to making your parts the best they can be. Using the latest design software, 3D printers, and even pen-on-paper schematics, they do what it takes to deliver quality results and value you can count on.   

2. Look for someone with advanced quality control capabilities.

Strict quality control and testing protocols are the hallmarks of successful precision casting projects. Find out if the investment casting supplier you’re considering has systems and processes in place to inspect parts and validate that they meet your exact specifications and tolerances throughout the entire production run. A vendor with an advanced quality control program avoids unnecessary costs and takes away the stress of worrying whether your project will be completed on time and to your standards.

Lamothermic is committed to exemplary quality management of raw materials, work in process, and finished parts. Our extensive testing process includes spectrographic analysis to verify the chemical composition of each batch of metal poured, along with dimensional inspection to confirm adherence to design specifications and X-ray non-destructive inspection to detect irregularities below the part’s surface. You can count on us to provide an elevated attention to detail to every job, so your parts have the highest quality and structural integrity.

3. Look for a team you can count on.

You’ll discover that customer service is central to everything we do at Lamothermic. From the initial consultation through every stage of preparing and executing your projects, your dedicated point of contact and the rest of our team are here to support you.

Looking for an Investment Casting partner for your next project?

You’ve come to the right place! At Lamothermic, we provide a complete investment casting solution to help you achieve exceptional results on every project. Our in-house design and engineering teams have decades of experience and review every casting project to ensure your parts are made as accurately, effectively, and efficiently as possible.

With the latest technology and a robust Quality Management System, we deliver outstanding workmanship and continuous improvement as we meet your specs and standards on every part we create. And when you call us, you can trust we’ll answer the phone and respond quickly. Your single point of contact is committed to answering your questions, addressing your needs, and making your experience with us go beyond your expectations.

If you’re searching for a full-service investment casting service provider to partner with you and help your business succeed, please contact us. We look forward to talking with you!

OEMs have many factors to consider when choosing an investment casting supplier. From technology to team and process to price, there are a wide range of considerations to evaluate. Among the most important is the degree to which a vendor can offer you a complete investment casting solution. That’s because those companies that can provide a complete solution will ultimately strengthen your business and maximize the success of your project.

A complete solutions partner does so much more than just manufacture castings. A complete solutions partner simplifies your supply chain and makes your job easier. With a single point of contact and a single accountable vendor, you’ll have fewer purchase orders to manage and less finger-pointing on complex projects. You’ll also avoid the costs—and the logistical nightmare—of shipping parts from vendor to vendor throughout the project.

Partnering with a supplier who has end-to-end capabilities in-house all but guarantees that you’ll get quality results with less headaches.

As a complete solution partner to OEMs in a wide range of industries, Lamothermic has a comprehensive and streamlined casting process that prioritizes both precision and efficiency. Read on to learn how each step of our investment casting process combines to create a complete solution that adds value to your business.

Value Added Every Step of the Way

1.  Process Development

Manufacturing precision parts efficiently and cost-effectively begins with the development process. When your investment casting supplier has experienced engineers in house, who know the equipment and processes, and know how to develop specifically for investment castings, you’ll always achieve a superior result.

From understanding various alloys, to knowing how to maintain critical dimensions and tolerances, to ensuring that your parts use the least amount of material necessary to achieve your desired results, a savvy team can make or break your project. This is especially true when it comes to parts with critical tolerances or complex internal geometries. Good developers ensure a smooth process and exceptional results.

At Lamothermic, our team has decades of experience developing for the casting process. We know how to evaluate your needs, suggest improvements, and monitor the process every step of the way. With multiple tools and resources at our disposal, including the latest software, 3D printers, whiteboards, and even old-fashioned paper and pencil, we brainstorm and explore innovative solutions and refine concepts that make your parts better. In fact, every project we take on runs through our development team to ensure a quality result.

2. Engineered Tooling

The right tooling plays an essential role in creating investment castings that meet critical dimensions and minute tolerances over any quantity of parts. High-quality tooling means an efficient process, that’s on spec and on time, while low-quality tooling means inconsistency, rework, and lost time.

At Lamothermic, we can create the tooling you’ll need to make your parts or use your existing tooling in order to streamline your production process. Not sure if your tooling will work? Our engineers and tooling experts evaluate it thoroughly and make the necessary adjustments to ensure seamless compatibility and optimal performance with our machines. Whether you bring your own tooling or need us to create custom solutions, we have the expertise to deliver precision, efficiency, and long-term reliability. With our team, you’ll always have the confidence that your tooling is up to the task.

3. Rapid Prototyping

Prototyping is vital to the design phase of any project, and ensures a precise result. In order to cut down on lead times, investment casting suppliers who offer rapid prototyping services can achieve a more time-efficient process.

Thanks to the latest 3D printing technology, at Lamothermic we can create prototype castings quickly and without the need for hard tooling. Utilizing 3D printed patterns, we can get a prototype into your hands quickly to validate the design, test functionality, and make adjustments before committing to full production. This is especially valuable for new product launches, or when you only need a few pieces in order to evaluate fit and performance.

A complete supplier who offers this type of fast-turn prototyping service will simplify the process, ensure a quality result that meets all of your fit and quality needs, and ultimately reduce the time it takes to scale up production. You’ll get your parts faster without having to worry that they don’t meet even the strictest requirements.

4. Automation

When your investment casting supplier offers automated processes, you’ll gain many benefits. Whether it’s faster production, more consistent accuracy at scale, or higher overall quality, robotic automation leads to a smoother process and a better result.

From injecting waxes at scale to around-the-clock robotic dipping, it pays to look for an investment casting supplier who prioritizes automation.

At Lamothermic, we’ve invested in robotic automation at key steps within our casting process to ensure the most accurate, consistent result on your parts and products. This allows us to offer faster ramp-up times, higher quantities, lower variability, and greater accuracy even over runs into the millions of parts.

5. Precision Casting

All of the operations we’ve described thus far culminate in the actual casting of your parts. And when it comes to full-service investment casting suppliers, it’s important to look for a vendor who can pour a wide range of alloys. This means they can handle a wider range of parts, and can often recommend alloys that will save you money, increase quality, or otherwise result in a better outcome.

At Lamothermic, we work with a variety of metals including carbon steel, low alloy steel and tool steel. We can work with various grades of stainless steel, nickel and cobalt based alloys, and lead-free copper alloys. This gives you a wide range of possibilities from a single vendor, and gives you the flexibility to run various parts composed of various metals with a single, accountable supplier.

6. CNC Machining

In some cases, the final cast part requires additional processing to meet critical specifications or tolerances. And this finishing process is another critical step that is often overlooked by investment casting suppliers. In order to save time, lower costs, and reduce the need to ship your parts through additional vendors for CNC finishing, it pays to utilize a single vendor who can offer this type of end-to-end solution.

That’s why we maintain a sophisticated level of CNC machining capabilities. Our milling centers, turning centers and multi-axis machining systems can put precise finishing touches on even the most complex parts. This adds value to the process by saving time, reducing costs, and maximizing accountability along the way. When you have a single vendor who can deliver finished parts to your exact specifications, consistently, accurately, and at scale, your business will be stronger.

7. Plating, Heat Treating & Assembly

Some parts, depending on their application, require special finishing touches. When you work with a vendor who offers these capabilities, you’ll save time and achieve a superior result.

At Lamothermic, we can provide you with heat treatment services, including annealing, hardening, tempering, and more, all from a single point of contact. These processes give your finished parts the desired strength, durability and resilience you need.

We also offer assembly services where our technicians can build components and assemblies using your cast parts along with other outsourced third-party parts. Once again, by choosing a vendor that can provide a comprehensive, complete, process, you’ll save time, lower costs, and eliminate the need to manage multiple vendors performing separate, complex processes.

8. Quality Control & Testing

We believe your parts are only as good as your vendors’ QC and testing protocols, so you should expect your manufacturing partner to make quality a top priority. If you want to reduce rework, eliminate quality issues, and do away with stress throughout your investment casting project, look for a vendor who prioritizes quality and has the systems and processes in place to do so at scale.

We have developed a robust Quality Management System that provides a framework for consistently achieving superior workmanship, excellent customer service, and continuous improvement. This means you can be confident your standards will be met on every part, every time.

Before we begin a project, we determine the job’s requirements and set quality benchmarks. Then, all parts undergo an extensive QC process to verify they meet specs within the tightest tolerances.

We use spectrographic analysis to confirm the chemical composition of every pot of metal we pour, and non-destructive testing to detect irregularities and defects in finished parts. This allows us to ensure precision output to you, and means your parts will be done right every time.

9. Inventory & Logistics

The last step in the process, inventory and logistics, is one area where an end-to-end investment casting supplier can really shine. From pre-stocking necessary raw materials, to keeping par levels of finished parts skidded up and ready to ship, to drop-shipping finished, inspected parts to your customers, a trusted partner that helps you manage your inventory can greatly reduce complication, time, and cost. At Lamothermic, we can do all of these things and more.

Ready to Save Time & Money with an End-To-End Investment Casting Solution?

Working with a complete solutions provider makes even the most complex manufacturing projects more efficient and cost effective. And with a wide range of potential vendors available, it’s a good idea to evaluate how your business can benefit from either a partial process or a more comprehensive solution.

If you think you would benefit from a single, accountable point of contact who can manage your investment casting project from concept to completion with maximum success, contact us today.

Our team of developers, engineering, casting and project experts is standing by to discuss your next project. We look forward to hearing from you!

With a variety of investment casting suppliers to choose from, both foreign and domestic, it is important for OEMs to understand who they’re buying from and what they’re really getting when they choose a supplier.

Although the finished parts may be pretty similar, there can be big differences between suppliers that are not readily apparent at first glance – and these differences can make or break your project.

So, just what should you look for in an investment casting service? And what does the team at Lamothermic bring to the table that ensures successful outcomes across a wide range of casting projects?  Read on to find out!

Exceptional Communication

A successful casting project begins even before the project starts! From the very first conversation, our team asks questions, listens, and provides thoughtful feedback on your part and our process. We respond quickly, work proactively, and ensure you and your team are in the loop from the start.

From the quoting process, to tooling design, initial molds, prototypes, and finally casting and finishing, our team will communicate the details so that you are comfortable with the status and timing of your project. Open communication is an integral part of how we help your business, and we embrace engineer-to-engineer collaboration in order to achieve optimal results.

Superior Equipment

The better the equipment, the better the final product, and that’s why we continuously invest in best-in-class manufacturing systems and equipment throughout the many processes that go into making your parts. From the latest 3D modeling software, to tooling creation, wax injection systems, CNC milling centers and more, we keep our tools and equipment on the cutting edge in order to provide the best possible outcomes for your cast parts. That means greater precision, less downstream processing, and faster turnaround times on your project.

Best-In-Class Team

Even beyond the latest manufacturing and casting equipment, we continuously invest in developing our best-in-class team. From our front office to our engineers, technicians, shipping department and everyone in between, we don’t settle when it comes to our team. In order to ensure consistency across hundreds of thousands of parts for thousands of clients, we prioritize training, teamwork and quality control throughout every aspect of our business. That means everyone who touches your project is committed to delivering your parts on time, on spec and on budget, and will go the extra mile on your behalf.

Game-Changing Automation

There are a variety of benefits to automation – speed, accuracy, repeatability, and quality are just a few. Thanks to an ongoing investment in robotic systems and automated processes, we can deliver on these benefits and more. Starting with the design process, our engineers look for ways to maximize what we can output while minimizing the time and materials needed.

From creating wax patterns, to creating ceramic shells, we use automation to
ensure quality and consistency. That means tighter tolerances, better finishes and precision details. The end result is always a near-net-shape finished part that requires fewer secondary processes – if any. And that means lower costs, faster delivery and less headaches.

A Genuine One Stop Shop

A single, accountable point of contact can take the headaches out of getting the parts you need. And that’s why we are truly a “one stop shop.” From the initial consultation, to engineering, 3D modeling, costing, production, finishing, logistics, and quality control, we handle projects from start to finish so you don’t have to manage multiple vendors and deal with the stress that that often entails.

Plus, with no time wasted and no costs added by having to ship parts through multiple vendors, you’ll save time and reduce costs in the process.

Ultimately, at Lamothermic, we make it easy to manage your supply chain and get the parts you need when you need them. A one stop shop means no communication issues, no finger pointing, faster turn times, lower costs, and most importantly, accountability to get the job done right.

Customer Service You Can Count On

Industrial companies in the US and overseas are not often known for offering high levels of customer service. But when choosing a supplier, this factor alone can make or break a relationship. No matter who you contact to discuss a project, you’ll surely get an immediate sense of how committed to customer service they might be!

At Lamothermic, we’ve built a culture of customer service that is inherent in all we do. When you call us, you get a real person on the phone. We respond quickly. We are available to you, we’re interested, and we take the time to listen to your needs and deliver thoughtful recommendations.

When you work with us you’ll interact with office staff, engineers, technical managers and more. And, with each interaction we’re committed to serving you and your project with the utmost care. Don’t believe us? Give us a call and find out!

Ready to Partner on Your Next Project?

If you’re looking for an investment casting service that can truly partner with you to make your parts better and your business more successful, contact us today! We’ve got the communication, the equipment, the team, the automation, and ultimately the commitment to customer service that will make your project successful. Our team of experts is standing by to discuss your needs and recommend a solution. We look forward to hearing from you!

When it comes to manufacturing the necessary cast parts for your products, cost is often the most critical factor. Fortunately, as a leading investment casting service, we know how to help OEMs achieve maximum value, and oftentimes the lowest cost, on the cast parts they need. 

If you’re seeking an investment casting company to help create parts for your business, there are a few considerations to look for that can have a big impact on cost, quality and timeliness. Check out the following tips for what to look for in a manufacturing partner that will help you get the precision castings and the highest-quality parts, while helping to minimize the expense. 

4 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Your Investment Casting Projects 

As you consider an investment casting partner, look for someone who can offer the following characteristics. And if you have questions about the best way to design, cast or finish a critical part, contact us today. Our team of investment casting experts is here to help. 

1. Optimized Geometry and Design 

When it comes to costing out an investment casting, design plays a huge part. For example, the fewer gates a casting has, the fewer secondary processes will be required down the line to create and finish your parts. These secondary processes can add cost and time to the project, so designing your part with this in mind can lower your cost right from the start.

Investment casting is great for achieving near net shape parts. Take advantage of this by casting your part as close as possible the final geometry. This will decrease the cost associated with machining, grinding, and other costly finishing processes. 

To ensure optimal outcomes as well as cost savings, look for an investment casting partner with in-house designers who have the experience to value-engineer your molds and parts during the design process. At Lamothermic, our design team processes every job that comes through our shop and ensures that it is both value-engineered and optimized for maximum efficiency in production. 

2. Automation to Streamline the Process 

Automated processes create efficiencies in both time and money. That means working with a manufacturing partner that has advanced robotic equipment and smart automation can make a world of difference when producing high-quantity runs of parts at a lower cost. 

Seek a partner that automates production using custom fixtures to hold parts in place for precision and consistency, even across high-volume jobs where accuracy and repeatability could otherwise be challenging to achieve. 

At Lamothermic, our sophisticated automated systems guarantee repeatable results even within minute tolerances. When combined with the speed and 24/7/365 nature of robotic automation, this means fast turnaround, less re-work, and perfect parts in just about any quantity. 

3. In-House Tooling Design 

Adherence to the highest standards is essential for making investment castings that will give you parts that meet even the most exact specifications. That makes it important to choose a partner with their own in-house tooling department that designs molds for superior precision, as well as in-house experts who can engineer tooling to optimize the process. Extreme accuracy, effective piece placement, and smooth production runs result in less rework, faster turnaround times, and ultimately lower prices overall.

That’s why we staff a complete, in-house tooling department that brings decades of tooling design experience to each of our projects. Even if you provide your own molds, our team will evaluate them and make recommendations for improvement that could make your project run faster and cost less. 

4. A Hassle-Free Experience 

Ultimately, you’ll work most efficiently and gain maximum value from your supply chain when you look for a partner who makes things as easy as possible for you. Do they have a project manager with technical expertise available every step of the way to answer your questions and address concerns? Do they actually answer the phone when you call? Do they have a production control manager to oversee production and logistics? Do their engineers stay involved with a project from start to finish to ensure accuracy and quality? 

The most efficient and high-quality results happen when customer service and engineer-to-engineer collaboration are top priorities. And that’s how we work at Lamothermic. Our team brings decades of experience to each and every project, adds value along the way, while making it easy for our clients to do their jobs effectively and achieve their desired results. 

Lamothermic Is the Complete Package 

If you want an investment casting supplier who checks all the boxes, look no further! With our optimized processes, advanced capabilities, and commitment to a superior customer experience, you can count on us for the utmost quality and value. Contact us for a quote to discuss how our investment casting services can help you maximize your parts production and profitability!