Abstract: A foundry process and associated apparatus for providing mixing of water, an additive, and a casting (investment) for the automated powder, which once mixed, are to be delivered to molds to form casting molds such as in the fabrication of microwave components (castings). The apparatus comprises a source of water, a source of additive and a source of the casting powder. There is provided a mixing bowl and automatic control means for coupling the water and additive to the mixing bowl and thereafter delivering the investment powder to the mixing bowl to provide for the thorough mixing of all of these components. The mixing bowl has associated therewith a manually operated valve which permits delivery of the mixed material into flasks disposed in a mixing chamber disposed under the mixing bowl. In accordance with the control provided in accordance with the invention, the mixing occurs initially without vacuum over a first predetermined period of time which may be on the order of 1-3 minutes.