Jewelry, Watches & Precision Luxury Goods worked example

Casting Tree Utilization at 98% target tree fill rate: a worked example

This scenario runs the casting tree utilization calculation on the strong side: 98% target tree fill rate, with every other input held at its documented default. Use before committing a flask to burnout to check whether you are maximizing tree capacity. Low utilization means you are paying the same flask, burnout, and casting cost for fewer pieces.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Wax patterns mounted on tree: 18 pieces (unchanged)
  • Maximum sprue tree capacity: 24 pieces (unchanged)
  • Target tree fill rate: 98 % (raised for this scenario; the documented default is 85)

Working through the calculation

  • Applying the documented formula (Casting tree utilization = patterns placed ÷ maximum tree capacity × 100) to the inputs above produces each figure below.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 75 % for casting tree utilization rate, the number this scenario is built around.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 23 points for utilization gap to target.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 18 count for patterns placed on tree.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 24 count for maximum tree capacity.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where target tree fill rate sits at 85% and the headline result is 75 %, this scenario lands almost exactly on the baseline at 75 %.
  • Use it when planning a casting batch, auditing why per-piece casting cost is high, or deciding whether to consolidate two partial trees into one flask. Treat this as a target state: the delta against the baseline quantifies what the improvement is worth before you commit to chasing it.

Results at a glance

  • Casting tree utilization rate: 75 % (headline result)
  • Utilization gap to target: 23 points
  • Patterns placed on tree: 18 count
  • Maximum tree capacity: 24 count

Run it with your numbers

  • Every input above is editable in the live Casting Tree Utilization calculator, which recalculates instantly and can be shared with the inputs intact.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.