Our rule of thumb is simple: if a brass lighting part is complex, with fine ornament, undercuts or thin decorative detail, we make it by lost-wax (investment) casting. If the shape is simple, such as a base, canopy, back plate or ring, we make it by sand casting, which costs less. Both routes finish with CNC machining for threads and fits.
The short rule
| Sand casting | Lost-wax (investment) casting | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Simple, open shapes: bases, canopies, back plates, rings, arms | Complex shapes: ornament, floral and scroll details, small intricate parts |
| Detail and surface | Softer edges, rougher cast surface that is ground and polished | Sharper detail and a smoother cast surface |
| Cost | Lower for simple parts | Higher per piece, justified when the detail cannot be sand cast |
| Thin walls | About 0.08 in (2 mm) finished wall is a practical minimum on decorative parts | Reviewed part by part; fine details are its strength |
| Threads and fits | Machined on CNC after casting for both routes | |
Why simple parts go to sand casting
A sand mould is quick and inexpensive to make from a pattern. For shapes without fine detail, sand casting gives the same finished part at a lower cost. The cast surface is rougher, but decorative lighting parts are ground and polished anyway, so the customer sees no difference after finishing.
The limit is detail and wall thickness. Sharp ornament, deep undercuts and very thin sections do not come out cleanly in sand. See our guide on minimum wall thickness for brass sand castings.
Why complex parts go to lost-wax casting
In lost-wax casting, each part starts as a wax copy that is coated in ceramic, melted out and replaced with molten brass. The mould is a one-piece shell, so the part can carry fine ornament and shapes that could not be pulled out of sand. Floral motifs, scrolls, decorative panels and small intricate fittings are typical lost-wax parts in lighting.
It costs more per piece, so we only recommend it when the design needs it.
Lead time for small batches
- Repeat orders with existing tooling: 50 to 200 pieces are usually ready to ship in about one week.
- New parts: pattern or tooling and first samples come first; we confirm the schedule with the quote.
- Threads: machined on CNC, so standard threads and mating parts fit as drawn.
What to send us
- A 3D model (STEP) and a 2D drawing with critical dimensions and threads
- Quantity per order and whether you expect repeat orders
- The finish: polished, unlacquered, aged or plated
- Photos of the design intent if surface detail matters
We will tell you which route we recommend and why before quoting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a brass lighting part be sand cast or lost-wax cast?
If the part is complex, with fine ornament, undercuts or thin decorative detail, we use lost-wax casting. If the shape is simple, such as a base, canopy, back plate or ring, we use sand casting because it costs less.
Is lost-wax casting more expensive than sand casting?
Yes, per piece it usually costs more, so we recommend it only when the detail or geometry cannot be made well by sand casting.
How long does a 50 to 200 piece brass casting order take?
For repeat orders with existing tooling, about one week to ship. New parts need tooling and samples first, and we confirm that schedule with the quote.
Can threads be included on cast brass lighting parts?
Yes. Threads and mating features are machined on CNC after casting, for both sand cast and lost-wax parts.
Written by the Gaton Brass team, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China. Published 2026-10-07. Customer names and drawings are withheld at the customer's request.