Investment casting has since spread to many commercial and industrial applications where complexity, precision and excellent as-cast surface finishes are required. This can be an extremely efficient process as less machining is required, which saves labour costs, and less alloy is wasted in this process compared to other casting options as less material is used in the sprues and runners. It is also an extremely versatile process, able to cast most ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys, including Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel.