Copper Investment Casting

Copper based alloys

Copper alloys are metals that have the predominant component of copper. Copper-based investment castings are incredibly versatile, with more than 400 different alloys with different properties. At Dean Group, we specialise in copper alloy investment casting, delivering precision-engineered components for industries such as marine, electrical, plumbing, and engineering.

Whether you need prototypes or production runs, our expert team can help you select the right copper alloy and achieve the specifications your application demands.

 

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Why Copper Investment Casting?

Investment casting is the ideal process for copper alloys when precision, surface finish, and complex geometries are required. This method delivers:

  • Exceptional dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances
  • Superior surface finishes with minimal post-processing
  • Capability for intricate, thin-section designs
  • Access to the full range of copper alloy options (400+ available)
  • Rapid prototyping and flexible production volumes

The benefits of choosing copper-based alloys

Because the number of copper-based alloys is so large, it is necessary that you choose the right one for your needs. While each alloy has its own properties, they tend to provide similar advantages that can help you make the right decision:

A summary of investment casting benefits can be seen below:

Corrosion resistant

Good ductility

Easy post-casting processing

Low wear and tear rates

High thermal and electrical conductivity

Bearing qualities with self-lubrication

Copper-based investment casting is incredibly versatile, so it is used in a large variety of applications, such as ship propellers, plumbing fixtures and electrical wires. We can investment cast any part you require from copper-based alloys.

Types of copper-based alloys

Bronze
An alloy of copper and other metals such as tin (around 12% of the composition), aluminium, manganese, zinc and silicon, and is typically a yellow/brown colour; the melting point will vary depending on the alloying elements but is usually around 950oC.
Brass
Generally, an alloy of copper and zinc (which can vary between a few percentages to 40%) and is typically a bright yellow or red brown colour; its melting point will vary depending on the alloying elements but tends to be between 900 oC and 940oC. Brass is a general term that can encompass many different grades, and one of the most popular is nickel silver, created from copper, nickel and zinc – its colour is not as brassy, but silvery instead.
Copper & Nickel
These two also tend to be combined. This is because the resulting alloy is strong and highly resistant to corrosion, mainly marine. The strongest alloy made from copper is beryllium-copper, which has many properties similar to high strength alloy steels, only with more resistance to corrosion over time.

Applications

Our copper alloy investment castings serve a wide range of industries and applications:

  • Marine: Propellers, bushings, seals, marine fittings
  • Electrical: Conductors, switchgear components, contact arms
  • Plumbing: Valves, fittings, fixtures
  • Architecture: Statues, artwork, architectural components
  • Engineering: Bearings, gears, pump parts, bespoke prototypes

Brass alloys can be used to produce musical instruments, plumbing components, decorative valves, locks and tools for non-sparking applications (such as explosive environments).

Technical Specifications

 Investment casting
(premium grade)
Investment casting
(commercial grade)
Die castingMetal injection moulding (MIM)ForgingTechnical Specifications
Stainless steel & heat resistant alloys✓✓ ✓✓Download
Carbon steel✓✓ ✓✓Download
Nickel & cobalt alloys✓    Download
Aluminium alloys✓ ✓ ✓Download
Copper based alloys✓   ✓Download
Titanium✓    Download

We are continuously adding new materials to our offering, for the latest information or if you have a special request, please contact us.

Get in Touch

Ready to discover how copper alloy investment casting can enhance your product performance? The Dean Group team specialises in translating your requirements into precision-engineered components. Whether you're seeking a specific copper alloy solution or would like expert advice on which alloy best suits your application, we're here to help. Fill out the form below, our specialist engineers are standing by to discuss your project, answer your questions, and guide you through the casting process from concept to delivery.

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FAQs

Copper investment casting, also known as lost wax casting, is a precision manufacturing process that produces high-quality copper alloy components with excellent surface finish and tight tolerances.

Copper has been mined for thousands of years, dating to prehistoric times. The popularity of this metal is related to its physical properties, mainly its ductility, conductivity and resistance to corrosion. In order to expand on these properties, copper can be alloyed with varied materials to create combinations that are capable of being used in a wide range of applications. Copper is a base metal with an atomic symbol of Cu.

We investment cast bronze (including aluminium bronze and phosphor bronze), silicon bronze, and a wide range of customised copper-based alloys tailored to your specifications.

Investment casting delivers superior precision, surface finish, and design flexibility compared to other casting methods. It's ideal for complex geometries, thin sections, and applications requiring tight tolerances.

Copper investment castings are used across marine, electrical, plumbing, building services, heritage restoration, and specialist engineering sectors.

Investment casting offers better detail, surface finish, and alloy flexibility, making it ideal for precision components. Die casting is better suited for high-volume, simpler-geometry parts.

An alloy of copper and other metals such as tin (around 12% of the composition), aluminium, manganese, zinc and silicon, and is typically a yellow/brown colour; the melting point will vary depending on the alloying elements but is usually around 950°C.

Contact Dean Group International for Your Investment Casting Quote

To find out more about our investment casting, or to get a quote for your project, please get in touch with us on 0161 775 1633 or submit your enquiry online.
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