RIC i.e. Rapid investment casting is a manufacturing process that uses Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies to create master patterns. Common techniques for producing wax and non-wax patterns contain FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), ink-jet rapid prototyping, and Stereolithography (SLA). The characteristic of RIC products is influenced by the abilities and inabilities of each AM technology and the materials used. In addition to pattern materials like wax, thermoplastic, ice, and photopolymer, this paper evaluates the benefits and drawbacks of FDM, MMII (Model Maker II), SLA, and RFP (Rapid Freeze Prototyping). The evaluation indicates that SLA yields the highest quality patterns, while FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is the most economical option. Additionally, new challenges in materials, including how ice patterns develop, have been identified and require further research. Additionally, the paper reviews recent models for the investment casting process's numerical simulations, noting that most studies focus on estimating the time needed for solidification, hot spots, areas of hot tearing, and macro and micro porosities.