A fairly high capital investment is required, but high production rates can be achieved. The process overall is quite cost effective due to reduced machining and cleanup costs.

In a Shell Mold Casting, a shell of sand forms the mold cavity. The sand is much more thin and weighs less than the molds commonly used in sand foundries. Shell Mold Castings surpasses normal sand castings in surface finish and dimensional accuracy.  The Shell Mold Castings also cool at a slightly higher rate.

The materials that can be used with this process are cast irons, and aluminum and copper alloys. Typical parts made with this process are connecting rods, gear housings, lever arms etc.