The cost of investment casting can vary a lot depending on the material, part weight, complexity, tooling, and order quantity.

For most industrial parts, a practical estimate is:

• Carbon steel: $1.5–$4 per kg
• Stainless steel (304/316): $3–$8 per kg
• High-precision / complex parts: $5–$15+ per kg
• Titanium / special alloys: $20+ per kg

These are common market ranges for raw casting and can increase with machining and finishing.

Quick Price Example

Let’s say your stainless steel part weighs 2 kg.

If the foundry price is $4 per kg, then:

Casting cost = 2 × $4 = $8 per piece

But this is only the raw casting price.

Final price may include:

• tooling / mold cost
• CNC machining
• polishing
• heat treatment
• surface finishing
• packaging
• shipping

So the final export price may become $10–$18 per piece.

Main Cost Factors

1. Material

Material has the biggest impact.

2. Weight

Heavier parts cost more directly.

For example:

• 0.5 kg part → lower total price
• 10 kg part → much higher total price

However, small parts under 1 kg often cost more per kg because labor and shell-making costs are spread over less weight.

3. Tooling Cost

Tooling is a one-time upfront cost.

Typical range:

• simple mold: $500–$2,000
• complex tooling: $2,000–$20,000+

For large orders, this cost is shared across many parts.

Example:

$2,000 tooling ÷ 1,000 pcs = $2 per part

4. Quantity

Higher quantity = lower unit cost.

Example:

• 100 pcs → $6/pc
• 1,000 pcs → $3.8/pc
• 10,000 pcs → $2.9/pc

This is why OEM buyers usually get much better prices.

5. Machining & Finish

Additional processes add cost:

• CNC machining: $1–$10+ per piece
• polishing: $0.5–$3
• passivation: $0.3–$1
• painting / plating: varies

Simple Cost Formula

A simple estimation formula is:

Total cost = raw casting + tooling share + machining + finish + shipping

For example:

• raw casting: $4
• tooling share: $1
• machining: $2
• finish: $1

Final = $8 per piece

Supplier Price Tip

China foundries often offer competitive pricing for bulk orders.

Typical export quotes for stainless steel investment castings are often in the $2–$6/kg raw casting range, depending on complexity and volume.