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NintendogsWithGuns t1_isk32dt wrote

Reply to comment by _vastrox_ in Am I getting the wrong impression about this hobby? by Rare_Acanthaceae5890

I was referring to investment casting, which does not involve producing permanent molds. The molds are made of ceramic and are shattered with thermal shock to release them. It’s similar to sand casting, but with a much smoother finish. Common technique for manufacturing high-end cast iron, jewelry, and bronze sculptures.

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_vastrox_ t1_isk6ely wrote

I would guess that this would be much more expensive than just CNC machining.
Especially with the size and geometry that some of the higher end boards have on the inside.

And it would probably still required at least some finishing in a CNC machine.
Screw holes will have to get drilled and tapped and the mating surfaces between parts have to be absolutely flat to not create any visible gaps in the assembled part.

And with casting the QC process is usually much more involved than with CNC machining since a casting can fail a lot easier than a CNC program.

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