The investment-casting process, also called the lost-wax process, was first used during
the period from 4000 to 3000 B.C. Typical parts made are components for office
equipment, as well as mechanical components such as gears, cams, valves, and
ratchets. Parts up to 1.5 m in diameter and weighing as much as 1140 kg have been
cast successfully by this process.