Rapid casting is an integration of investment casting with rapid prototyping/3D printing. In this technique disposable patterns that are used for forming molds are created by any 3D printing technique, including fused deposition modeling and stereolithography.

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• Cheap for batch production
• Reduced turnaround time
• Representative prototypes
• Easier to make patterns
• Possibility to make the part lighter by removing unwanted material and stiffer by adding rib features.

• A disposable pattern is 3D printed (can be of wax or any plastic used in 3D printing PLA,PETG,Etc.).
• The pattern, if made of wax, undergoes wax infiltration and other procedures to increase its strength and dewaxing properties.
• A mold is made by coating the printed pattern using a ceramic slurry.
• The pattern is melted out of the ceramic mold.
• Molten metal is poured into mold.