Row of ceramic moulds used for precision investment casting: the process is based on the production of a wax pattern, an exact replica of the finished alloy casting. The wax patterns act as templates for making ceramic moulds; the wax is subsequently melted & drained from the mould to make ready for the final metal casting. Here, individual moulds are formed on separate units, made by coating the various wax patterns in liquid ceramic & drying in air & ammonia gas. Photographed at NGL, Chard, Somerset, who make a range of products from simple steel castings to complex, heat resistant alloy components for aero- engines.