Towards a Smarter, Stronger Future: Investment


Casting at the Crossroads of Innovation and Security By Carlos Olabe, CEO European Investment Casters’ Federation


Liverpool in May 2025, we find ourselves reflecting not only on the progress made but also on the transformative momentum shaping the future of investment casting. With the River Mersey as our backdrop and the vibrant city of Liverpool as our host, we convene under the theme “Secure and Sustainable: Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience and Health & Safety in Investment Casting.” This theme encapsulates the dual imperatives of today’s industrial landscape— robustness and responsibility. Across the past decades, the


A


Investment Casting (IC) industry has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for adaptation and technological advancement. From aerospace to biomedical applications, from industrial gas turbines to high-precision defense systems, our processes have been at the heart of countless critical applications. But today, the convergence of several groundbreaking technologies promises to reframe not only how we produce, but why.


shifts


One of the most profound lies in the development and


diversification of alloys tailored to ever more demanding performance criteria. Driven by needs for higher thermal resistance, reduced weight, and improved corrosion resistance, alloy innovation continues to be a cornerstone of casting excellence. These developments are often closely aligned with—and enabled by— the increasing adoption of Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques. The so-called “Hybrid Investment Casting” approach, which marries the design


12 ❘ April 2025 ®


s we prepare to gather at the 33rd EICF International Conference & Exhibition in


freedom and speed of AM with the metallurgical integrity and surface quality of traditional IC, is no longer a conceptual promise—it is becoming an industrial reality. But the transformation does not


stop there. The erruption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), now embedded in broader Industry 4.0 frameworks, is reshaping our process ecosystems.


Together


with advanced process modeling and simulation, these digital tools are bringing about a new era of predictive manufacturing. Modern simulation platforms are now capable of accurately modeling the entire casting process—from wax pattern creation and shell building to metal pouring and solidification—enabling engineers to anticipate defects, optimize geometries, and reduce trial-and-error iterations on the shop floor. This evolution toward digital twins and virtual prototyping is fundamentally improving our capacity for first- time-right production. With smart sensors, real-time data acquisition, and


AI-driven decision-making, we


are moving toward a future where variability is systematically reduced, scrap is minimized, and quality is inherent rather than inspected. The once artisanal


nature of casting is


being redefined—without losing the depth of expertise required—with a data-driven mindset that enhances both productivity and environmental sustainability. These technologies are not abstract


novelties; they are critical enablers of what society now demands: resilient, sustainable, and secure manufacturing ecosystems. As Europe and its allies


navigate a more complex geopolitical reality, the need to reinforce our defense capabilities and strategic autonomy has gained fresh urgency. Investment casting, with its unique capacity for producing mission-critical components at high integrity and low batch sizes, is integral to this equation. Whether for propulsion systems, guidance components, or other defense-grade applications, our technology is contributing directly to the collective security framework of Europe. In essence, we are witnessing a renaissance—an


alignment of


traditional craftsmanship with cutting- edge technology. This convergence is not merely about competitive advantage; it is about industrial relevance in a time of global transformation. The challenges ahead, from supply chain vulnerabilities to climate imperatives and geopolitical shifts, are formidable. Yet the investment casting community is demonstrating that it has the agility, expertise, and resolve to rise to the moment. The Liverpool 2025 Conference will be an exceptional platform to explore these developments in depth. With technical sessions, a comprehensive exhibition and a dedicated seminar on Additive Manufacturing for Investment Casting applications, it will serve as a crucible for knowledge exchange and strategic dialogue. We encourage all members of the global IC community to participate, contribute, and collaborate. As we step into this new chapter, the message is clear: technology is not just advancing—it is serving. Serving the industry, the environment, the economy, and society at large. It is in this spirit that we look forward to welcoming you to Liverpool.


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