1. Hōʻikeʻike
Investment casting—also known as the lost‑wax process—extends far beyond steel and nickel alloys.
It thrives in the copper‑alloy world, providing unmatched precision for complex geometries.
Copper‑alloy investment casting combines the thermal and electrical advantages of copper with the design freedom of ceramic molds.
NOEHUI, manufacturers in nā leka uila, pono & aila, Matapili, a Marine sectors rely on these castings to meet stringent performance requirements.
Eia hou, growing demand for miniaturized electrical components and corrosion‑resistant hardware continues to drive global market growth, projected at 5.2 % Cagr ʻAi 2029.
2. What Is Copper‑Alloy Investment Casting?
In copper alloy Kāhaka kūʻai kūʻai, a wax or 3D‑printed polymer pattern replicates the final part. After stacking patterns on a gating tree, technicians build up a ceramic shell around them.
Hoʻokahi manawa nā cures she, they melt out the wax (hence “lost‑wax”), preheat the shell, and pour molten copper alloy.
Ma hope o ka hoʻoponoponoʻana, the brittle shell breaks away, revealing a near‑net‑shape component.
This process achieves tolerances as tight as ± 0.1 mm and surface finishes down to Ra 0.8 }m, reducing downstream machining.
3. Copper Alloys Used in Investment Casting
Copper alloys are widely used in investment casting due to their excellent castability, Ke kū'ē neiʻo Corrosionion, thermal and electrical conductivity, and good mechanical properties.

Here are the main categories of copper alloys commonly used in this process:
Bronzes
Bronzes are primarily copper alloys with tin, though modern bronzes can also contain elements like aluminum, Silikino, a me phospoprus. Common types include:
- Phosphor Bronze (Cu-Sn-P): Known for high strength, E kāʻei i ke kū'ē, a me ke kū'ēʻana. Ideal for bearings, Kauluhi, a me nā mea'ē aʻe.
- Ailunimina bronze (Cu-Al): Exhibits excellent strength, Ke kū'ē neiʻo Corrosionion (nui loa i loko o ke kai), a me nā pale maikaʻi. Used in aerospace, Mary Ples, a me nā'āpana waiwai.
- Silikino Bronze (Cu-Si): Offers good strength, Ke kū'ē neiʻo Corrosionion, a me ka formability. Often used in architectural applications and marine fittings.
Brasses
Brasses are copper-zinc alloys known for their good strength and excellent machinability.
- Hiila mele (Cu-zn): Has excellent castability and is used for decorative items, ʻO nā kiʻi kūpono, and low-load mechanical components.
- High-Strength Brasses: May include additional elements like manganese, 'Eron, or aluminum for improved mechanical properties.
Nickel Silvers (Cu-Ni-Zn)
These are copper alloys with nickel and zinc that resemble silver in appearance.
- Used in applications requiring good corrosion resistance, ikaika, a me nā mea hoʻopiʻi Aesthetic (E.g., nā mea kani, mea hoʻonani kiʻi).
Beyreellium Kina (Cu-Be)
Beryllium copper is a high-performance alloy that offers exceptional strength, hālulu, a me ka lawe.
- Used in precision components, e like me nā punawai, Nā Kākoʻo, and non-sparking tools. Akā naʻe,, due to health hazards during processing, it requires careful handling.
Common Copper Alloy Grades Used in Investment Casting
| ʻAno | Nā helu maʻamau / Kūlā | Main Composition | Nā mea nui | Nā noi maʻamau |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ailunimina bronze | C95400 (AL Bronze), ASTM B148 | Cu-Al-Fe | Ikaika ikaika, wear and seawater resistance | Pump bodies, Nā'āpana Valve, ʻO nā mea alohaʻo Marine |
| C95500 (Nickel Al Bronze) | Cu-Al-Ni-Fe | ʻOi nui ka ikaika, heat and corrosion resistance | Nā Māhele kā Aerospace, 'Unila Pahu Mau | |
| Tin keleawe | C83600 (Ke keleaweʻulaʻula) | Cu-Sn-Pb-Zn | Maikaʻi maikaʻi, Ke kū'ē neiʻo Corrosionion | KahawaiOli, Nā Vilves, mea hoʻonani kiʻi |
| C90500 (ʻO Gun Metal) | Cu-sn-zn | Ikaika ikaika, ʻO ka paleʻana o ka momona | Steam/water pressure components | |
| Phosphor Bronze | C91000, C91300 | Cu-Sn-P | E kāʻei i ke kū'ē, Ke kū'ē neiʻo Corrosionion | Kauluhi, Kāhele, spring components |
| Silikino Bronze | C87500, C87600 | Cu-Si-Zn | Good strength and corrosion resistance | Nā'Āpana Pūnaewele, Mary Ples, art casting |
Keihei |
C85700 (Kūpono keleawe mangenese) | Cu-Zn-Mn | Maikaʻi maikaʻi, Ke kū'ē neiʻo Corrosionion | Decorative parts, light-duty mechanical components |
| C85800 (High Strength Yellow Brass) | Cu-Zn-Fe-Al | Ikaika ikaika, dezincification resistance | Industrial fittings, Nā Vilves, Piʻi nā'ōnaehana | |
| Nickel Silver | C97300, C97400 | Cu-Ni-Zn | Silver-like appearance, Ke kū'ē neiʻo Corrosionion | Decorative items, nā mea kani, Nā'āpana waiwai |
| Beyreellium Kina | C17200 (ASTM B196/B197) | Cu-Be | Very high strength, ke ola, non-sparking | Nā Hana Hana Hana, Nā Kākoʻo, punawai, pono & gas tools |
4. Material Properties of Copper Alloy Castings
Nā Pīkuhi Propertinies
| Waiwai | Keihei (C36000) | Ailunimina bronze (C95400) | Ke lawe nei i ka bronze (C93200) | Beyreellium Kina (C17200) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ikaika ikaika (Mpa) | ~345 | ~ 450 | ~ 310 | A i 1400 (i mālamaʻia) |
| Ka ikaika (Mpa) | ~ 105 | ~ 250 | ~ 160 | ~1100 |
| Ewangantion (%) | 20-30% | 10-15% | 10-20% | 10-20% |
| Hālulu (HB) | 80-100 | 110-130 | 70-90 | 200-300 |
- Kumaikalua: Brass alloys typically offer excellent ductility, allowing for easy post-casting machining and forming.
- E kāʻei i ke kū'ē: Aluminum bronze and bearing bronze are particularly suited for high-load, low-speed applications due to superior wear characteristics.
- Ka ikaika momona: Beryllium copper excels in applications requiring high fatigue resistance and spring performance.

Thermal & Mea kūʻai uila
Ka HōʻaʻO Kokua:
- Lole keleawe: ~385 W/m·K
- Keihei: ~100–150 W/m·K
- Bronze: ~50–70 W/m·K
- Beyreellium Kina: ~100–125 W/m·K
Mea kūʻai uila (e like me % Iac):
- Lole keleawe: 100%
- Keihei (C36000): ~28–30%
- Bronze: ~15–20%
- Beyreellium Kina: ~22–25%
Corrosion Resistance and Environmental Durability
| Kaʻona | Suitable Alloys | Nā moʻolelo |
|---|---|---|
| Ke wai wai | Me ka mai ia makou (C70600), Ailunimina bronze (C95800) | Excellent resistance to pitting, kāpaʻa, and biofouling |
| Industrial Atmosphere | Keihei, Tin keleawe | Good general atmospheric resistance |
| Acidic Media | Phosphor Bronze, Me ka mai ia makou | Resists sulfuric and organic acids |
| Drinking Water | Low-lead Brass (C46400, EnviroBrass®) | Compliant with modern lead regulations |
| High-Temp Exposure | Beyreellium Kina, C95400 | Suitable for elevated temperature strength and oxidation |
5. Pros and Cons of Copper-Alloy Castings
✅ Pros of Copper-Alloy Castings
Ke kū'ē neiʻo Corrosion Corrossion
- Copper alloys—particularly bronzes and copper-nickel grades—excel in resisting corrosion in seawater, ACIDIC, a me nā wahiʻoihanaʻoihana.
- Ideal for marine hardware, ʻO nā kiʻi kūpono, and chemical process components.

ʻO ka mareʻana o ke kālepa
- Brass and pure copper-based alloys have excellent electrical conductivity (a i 100% IACS for pure copper).
- Thermal conductivity ranges between 100–400 W/m·K, making them ideal for heat sinks, Nā'Āpana Pūnaewele, a me nā wāwae.
ʻO ka Candior Carbility
- Copper alloys flow well during casting, enabling the production of thin-walled, complex shapes with tight tolerances.
- Suitable for investment casting, allowing for intricate designs without the need for extensive post-processing.
Diverse Mechanical Properties
- Ranges from soft, ductile brass (C36000) to high-strength beryllium copper (C17200) with tensile strengths exceeding 1,200 Mpa.
- Aluminum bronzes offer excellent wear resistance and tensile strength for high-load parts.
ʻO nā hoʻopiʻi Aesthetic & Finishability
- Attractive reddish-yellow tones in brasses and bronzes make them ideal for decorative, Matapili, and artistic applications.
- Polishes well and accepts patinas or protective coatings for enhanced aesthetics.
Recycability & Environmental Benefit
- Copper and its alloys are 100% recyclable without loss of properties.
- The use of low-lead or lead-free brasses (E.g., EnviroBrass®) supports sustainable manufacturing practices and meets drinking water regulations.
⚠️ Cons of Copper-Alloy Castings
Moderate to High Material Cost
- Liulaala, nickel, and tin are relatively expensive base elements.
- Beyreellium Kina, while offering excellent strength and conductivity, is among the most costly copper-based alloys.
Lower Strength Compared to Steel
- While strong in their category, copper alloys typically have lower tensile and yield strengths than carbon and alloy steels.
- For highly loaded or structural components, additional design considerations may be necessary.
ʻO ka hana maʻamau
- Most copper alloys soften at elevated temperatures above 300°C.
- Exceptions include aluminum bronze and beryllium copper, which maintain mechanical integrity at moderately high temperatures.
Casting Defects Risk
- As with many casting processes, Potiwale, shrinkage, or segregation can occur if not properly managed.
- Requires experienced foundry control and post-cast inspections.
Machinability Challenges
- Kekahi mau alloys (E.g., ailunimina bronze, high-tin bronzes) can be difficult to machine due to hard intermetallics.
- Tool wear is more frequent, and special cutting tools or techniques may be needed.
6. Applications of Copper-Alloy Castings
Airine and on onfshore
Copper alloys—particularly ailunimina bronze a nickel-aluminum bronze—are highly resistant to seawater corrosion, mio popoele, and cavitation.
- Nā mea waiwai a me nā mea make
- Pump and valve bodies
- Shaft sleeves and bearings
- Marine fasteners and pipe fittings

Plumbing and Fluid Handling
Brass and leaded bronze castings are commonly used in plumbing systems due to their machinability, Ke kū'ē neiʻo Corrosionion, and low friction properties.
- Nā Faucets, Nā Vilves, a me ke ahi
- Pipe connectors and couplings
- Water meter housings
- Backflow preventers
Electrical and Nā leka uila
Due to their excellent electrical conductivity, copper-based alloys are used for both power transmission and signal components.
- Connectors and terminals
- Bus bars
- Circuit breaker and switchgear components
- Grounding equipment
Nā mīkini mīkini
High-strength copper alloys are used for wear- and load-resistant parts in heavy machinery.
- Gears and gear blanks
- Bushings and thrust washers
- Guide rails and wear plates
- Nā'āpana papa
Aerospace a me ka pale
Aluminum bronzes and beryllium copper are used in aerospace and defense for their strength, ʻO ka paleʻana o ka momona, and non-sparking properties.
- Landing gear components
- Nā pale lole
- Precision connectors and clips
- Non-magnetic and spark-resistant tools
Aitompetitive
Copper alloy castings are used in systems requiring both thermal conductivity and mechanical strength.
- Cooling system components (E.g., water pump housings)
- Transmission bushings
- Nā'āpana brake
- Na'Āpana Engine
Decorative and Architectural
Brasses, bale, and nickel silvers are popular for their appearance and corrosion resistance.
- Statues and sculptures
- Door handles and hardware
- Lighting fixtures
- Grilles and gates
Aila aila / Mining
Non-sparking, corrosion-resistant copper alloys are ideal for hazardous or abrasive environments.
- ʻO nā mea hana i lalo
- Valves and couplings
- Non-sparking hand tools
- Nā Hale Hōʻikeʻike
7. Nā Palapala Kūʻai Kolepa Makana
Looking for custom copper alloy investment castings at competitive prices with trusted quality?
ʻO kēia specializes in OEM brass, bronze, and copper alloy castings using the precision lost wax process, delivering exceptional detail, lawehala, A me ka hana mechanical.
He aha kā mākou e hāʻawi ai:
- Mea waiwai: Keihei, bronze, Keka ulaula ulaula, silicon bronze, and copper-based alloys
- Ke kaʻina hana: 'Clelo pololei lost wax investment casting, optimized for intricate geometries and tight tolerances
- Hiki: Small to medium-sized castings, complex surface finishes, and consistent batch quality
- Nā lawelawe:
-
- Custom casting design and prototyping
- Machimen, mālamaʻona, a hoʻopau
- Engineering consulting and Dfm (Hoʻolālā no ka mea hana hana) Kākoʻo
- Full compliance with Nā Kūlana International (Hosm, Mai, Oia)
Why DEZE Technology Co., Ltd.?
- Iso 9001 & Iatf 16949 Certified: Rigorous quality systems ensure you get defect‑free castings every time.
- In‑House Tooling & Rapid Turnaround: Pattern design through final inspection under one roof—typical lead times of 4–6 weeks.
- Global Supply Chain: Competitive Chinese price levels, with logistics support for just‑in‑time delivery worldwide.
- Full Value‑Add Services: Cnc iching, Hoʻololi, passivation and assembly available to streamline your supply chain.
Kāhea iā mākou i kēia lā to discuss your custom copper alloy casting needs.
Share your drawings or 3D models, and our team will help you develop the most cost-effective and high-performance solution for your project.



