Which of the following casting processes is associated with less expensive production costs compared to other casting processes?

Sand casting is associated with less expensive production costs compared to other casting processes due to several key factors. Firstly, the materials used in sand casting, such as sand and metal, are generally low-cost and widely available. This contributes to a lower overall production expense.

Additionally, the sand casting process does not require the high initial investment for tooling that other methods like investment casting or die casting do. In investment casting, for instance, the creation of complex molds can be expensive and time-consuming due to the precision required. Die casting also demands high costs due to the need for durable metal molds that can withstand repeated use and high pressure.

Furthermore, sand casting allows for flexibility in manufacturing, meaning it can be more economically viable for small to medium production runs where the costs associated with creating intricate molds might not justify the output in investment casting or vacuum casting. Thus, the combination of low material costs, minimal tooling investment, and flexibility in production makes sand casting a cost-effective option in many scenarios.