About Us

The Investment Casting Process

Investment casting is an method of manufacturing used to produce complex metal components. This process is also known as lost wax casting. Aurora specializes in the investment casting of complex aerospace components specially air-melt alloys.

Investment casting has been used in various forms for the last 5,000 years. In its earliest forms, beeswax was used to form patterns necessary for the casting process. Today, more advanced waxes, refractory materials and specialist alloys are typically used for making patterns. Investment castings can produce products with exceptional surface qualities, which can reduce the need for secondary machine processes.

Stereolithography (SLA) is a form of 3D printing technology used for creating models, prototypes, patterns, and production parts in a layer by layer fashion. The SLA process is often used for small batches and prototype projects. Utilizing this technology, time and money can be saved as no wax mold is necessary. Aurora has worked with using SLA technology for over 20 years.

Our History

Aurora was founded by ex-Marine Frank Penrose in 1980. Started in a garage, Aurora has grown to be a trusted supplier partner among giants in the defense and aerospace industries, casting parts for military aircraft, missiles, jet engines, and commercial jetliners. Aurora holds approvals for Raytheon, Lockheed, Boeing, Bell Helicopter, Textron, GE Aviation among others. Aurora is equipped to handle orders of all sizes, from initial prototype and design to mass production. Aurora continues invest and grow both in equipment and expertise.