Patent Publication Number: US-11033784-B2

Title: Embedded high density casting

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/347,654 filed Nov. 9, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/252,930, filed on Nov. 9, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/265,741, filed on Dec. 10, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/315,445, filed on Mar. 30, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/372,870, filed on Aug. 10, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/406,266, filed on Oct. 10, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/414,526, filed on Oct. 28, 2016, the contents of all of which are incorporated fully by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to a golf club head, and more specifically to a high density metal piece (HDMP) that is coupled to a body of a golf club head. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A golfer benefits from having a club that will provide good ball flight characteristics even when the ball is mishit. Movement of mass around or within a club head is one major aspect of club head design used to improve ball flight. Mass can be placed to move the center of gravity (CG) of the club head down and rearward. Maximizing placement of a high density mass within the club head is, however, limited by current techniques. 
     A high density metal piece is typically inserted into the body of a club head by welding, brazing, or swaging or, alternatively, a metal piece is affixed to the body using adhesives or configured as a threaded insert into the body of the club head. During, these processes multiple forces are exerted on the high density metal piece making it difficult to accurately place the metal piece consistently. The art has need of a process that both requires fewer processing steps and provides greater design freedom. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  are top and front views, respectively, of a golf club head having an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis according to one construction. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the golf club head of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , showing an HDMP coupled to a body of the golf club head. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the HDMP of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a partial, cross-sectional view of the golf club head of  FIGS. 1-3 , showing a gap formed around the HDMP and disposed between the HDMP and the golf club head body. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates filler material disposed within the gap shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an embedded casting process for forming the golf club head of  FIGS. 1-3  and for coupling the HDMP to the golf club head body. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the HDMP during part of the process of  FIG. 7 , the HDMP having protrusions in the form of two cylindrical posts. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view of the HDMP during part of the process of  FIG. 7 , the HDMP being disposed in a tool. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view of the HDMP during part of the process of  FIG. 7 , the HDMP embedded in wax and ceramic. 
         FIG. 11  is a partial, cross-sectional view of a portion of the golf club head of  FIGS. 1-3 , showing the HDMP during part of the process of  FIG. 7 , the HDMP with the two cylindrical posts. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an HDMP according to another construction. 
         FIG. 13  is a partial, cross-sectional view of a portion of a golf club head, showing the HDMP of  FIG. 12  coupled to a body of the golf club head. 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  are perspective views of an HDMP according to another construction, the HDMP having a non-cylindrical protrusion and a notch in the protrusion. 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic view of an HDMP according to another construction, the HDMP partially embedded in a cast material and having a protrusion and a notch at an end of the protrusion. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an HDMP according to another construction, the HDMP having a protrusion in the form of an elongate bar. 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic view of the HDMP of  FIG. 17 , showing the HDMP embedded in wax and ceramic. 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic, perspective view of an HDMP according to another construction, the HDMP having through-holes extending therethrough. 
         FIGS. 20 and 21  are schematic, perspective views of an HDMP according to another construction, the HDMP having depressions along surfaces of the HDMP. 
         FIG. 22  is a flowchart of another embedded casting process for forming the golf club head of  FIGS. 1-3  and for coupling an HDMP to the golf club head body. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the HDMP during part of the process of  FIG. 22 , the HDMP having a protrusion in the form a cylindrical post. 
         FIG. 24  is a schematic view of the HDMP during part of the process of  FIG. 22 , the HDMP being disposed in a tool. 
         FIG. 25  is a schematic view of the HDMP during part of the process of  FIG. 22 , the HDMP embedded in wax and ceramic. 
         FIG. 26  is a partial, cross-sectional view of a portion of a golf club head, showing the HDMP of  FIG. 25  coupled to a body of the golf club head. 
         FIG. 27  is a schematic view of another HDMP during part of the process of  FIG. 22 , the HDMP being disposed in a tool. 
         FIG. 28  is a schematic view of the HDMP during part of the process of  FIG. 22 , the HDMP embedded in wax and ceramic. 
         FIG. 29  is a partial, cross-sectional view of a portion of a golf club head, showing the HDMP of  FIG. 27  coupled to a body of the golf club head. 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an HDMP coupled to a body of the golf club head. 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an HDMP coupled to a body of the golf club head. 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an HDMP coupled to a body of the golf club head. 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an HDMP coupled to a body of the golf club head. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described herein is an embedded casting process to manufacture a golf club head including a high density metal piece. The embedded casting process allows for a metal piece to be inserted into the body using fewer processing steps and provides greater design freedom. The high density metal piece is configured to allow for accurate and consistent placement of the metal piece within the golf club head when installed using the embedded casting process defined below. The high density metal piece can include protrusions and/or gaps, both of which are defined in more detail below, to prevent any undesired translations or rotations due to forces applied during the casting process. 
     The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus. 
     The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. 
     The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements, mechanically or otherwise. Coupling (whether mechanical or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. 
     As described herein, “embedded casting” can refer to the casting or molding of a material having any viscosity over a part that is already formed. Embedded casting can be performed using any material, such as metals or plastics. 
     Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or construction and the arrangement of components as set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It should be understood that the description of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure from covering all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     In accordance with one construction, an investment casting part for a golf club head includes a high density metal piece at least partially embedded within a wax shell, the high density metal piece having a body with at least two protrusions that extend from the body and away from the wax shell, the two protrusions extending along axes that are offset relative to one another. 
     In accordance with another construction, an investment casting part for a golf club head includes a high density metal piece including a body having a surface, a first protrusion extending from the surface, and a second protrusion extending from the surface offset from the first protrusion. The investment casting part also includes a wax encasement. The wax encasement surrounds the body. The first protrusion and the second protrusion each extend away from the wax encasement. 
     In accordance with another construction, an investment casting part for a golf club head, the head being that of a metal wood, includes a high density metal piece including a body having a surface and a cylindrical or non-cylindrical protrusion extending from the surface, the protrusion including a notch formed therein. The investment casting part includes a wax encasement with an outer surface, wherein the wax encasement at least partially surrounds the body, further wherein the notch is free from contact with the wax encasement. 
     In accordance with another construction, a golf club head includes a body having a sole, a striking face, a crown, a heel end, and a toe end. The golf club head also includes a high density metal piece coupled to the body, wherein a gap is disposed between an exterior surface of the high density metal piece and an exterior surface of the body, wherein a filler material is disposed within the gap. 
     In accordance with another construction, a method of manufacturing a golf club head include forming a high density metal piece, the high density metal piece having two protrusions, the two protrusions extending along axes that are offset relative to one another. The method also includes placing the high density metal piece in a wax injection mold, injecting wax into the wax injection mold such that portions of the protrusions are not embedded within the wax, coating the wax with ceramic such that the portions of the protrusions are disposed within the ceramic and prevent rotation and translation of the high density metal piece, melting out the wax, pouring metal into the ceramic, and removing the ceramic. 
     In accordance with another construction, a method of manufacturing a golf club head include forming a high density metal piece, the high density metal piece having at least one protrusion, placing the high density metal piece in a wax injection mold, injecting wax into the wax injection mold such that a portion of the at least one protrusion is not embedded within the wax, coating the wax with ceramic such that the portion of the at least one protrusion is disposed within the ceramic and prevents rotation of the high density metal piece, melting the wax to form a hollow region between the ceramic and the high density metal piece, pouring metal into the hollow region, and removing the ceramic. After the ceramic is removed, a gap is disposed between an exterior surface of the high density metal piece and an exterior surface of the body. The method then includes inserting a filler material into the gap. 
     In accordance with another construction, a method of manufacturing a golf club head include forming a high density metal piece, the high density metal piece having a gap disposed between an exterior surface of the high density metal piece and an exterior of the surface body, the gap extending at least partially around the perimeter of the high density metal piece. The method also includes placing the high density metal piece in a wax injection mold, injecting wax into the wax injection mold such that the gap is not filled with wax, coating the wax with ceramic such that the gap receives the ceramic material and prevents rotation and translation of the high density metal piece, melting out the wax, pouring metal into the ceramic, and removing the ceramic. 
     In accordance with another construction, a partially assembled golf club head includes a body having a sole, a striking face, a crown, a heel end, and a toe end. The partially assembled golf club also includes a high density metal piece coupled to the body, wherein a gap is disposed between an exterior surface of the high density metal piece and an exterior surface of the body, wherein the high density metal piece includes two protrusions extending away from the golf club head. 
     In accordance with another construction, an investment casting part for a golf club head includes a high density metal piece including a body having a surface, a first protrusion extending from the surface, and a second protrusion extending from the surface offset from the first protrusion, wherein the body includes a plurality of through-holes. 
     In accordance with another construction, an investment casting part for a golf club head includes a high density metal piece including a body having a surface, a first protrusion extending from the surface, and a second protrusion extending from the surface offset from the first protrusion, wherein the surface includes a plurality of depressions. 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a golf club head  10 . The golf club head  10  includes a golf club head body  14  having a toe or toe end  18  opposite a heel or heel end  22 . The golf club head body  14  also includes a crown or top  26  opposite a sole or bottom  30 , and a back or rear or back end  34  opposite a club face or face or strike face or strike plate  36 . The golf club head  10  also includes a perimeter  38  that joins the sole or bottom  30  to the crown or top  26 . The club face or face or strike face or strike plate  36  is joined to each of the crown or top  26 , the sole or bottom  30 , and the perimeter  38 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a plurality of grooves or primary grooves  40  is positioned on the club face  36 . The golf club head  10  also includes a hosel  42  having a hosel axis  46  that extends through a center of the hosel  42 . The hosel  42  is configured to receive a golf club shaft (not shown) that carries a grip (not shown). 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the golf club head  10  also includes an opening  48  in the sole or bottom  30 . The opening  48  is threaded, and a correspondingly threaded swing weight adjustment piece  50  is received into the opening  48  (e.g., during assembly of the golf club head  10 ). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the golf club head  10  also has a center of gravity or CG  52  that defines an origin of a coordinate system including an x-axis  54 , a y-axis  58 , and a z-axis  62 . The x-axis  54  extends through the golf club head  10  center of gravity or CG  52  from the toe end  18  to the heel end  22 . The y-axis  58  extends through the golf club head  10  center of gravity or CG  52  from the crown  26  to the sole  30 . The z-axis  62  extends through the center of gravity or CG  52  from the club face  36  to the back  34 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the golf club head  10  further includes at least one high density metal piece (HDMP)  66  coupled to the golf club head body  14 . In the illustrated construction, a single HDMP  66  is coupled to the golf club head body  14  at the back end  34 , and along the sole or bottom  30 , in an area of transition from a rear of the sole or bottom  30  to the perimeter  38  of the golf club head  10 . In other constructions, a different number and/or placement HDMPs  66  is provided. 
     The HDMP  66  is made of a material that is of higher density than the golf club head body  14 . The HDMP  66  adds weight to the back end  34  and affects the location of the center of gravity or CG  52 . In the illustrated construction, the HDMP  66  is positioned as far back as possible toward the back or rear or back end  38  along the z-axis  62  and is positioned as low as possible toward the sole or bottom  30  along the y-axis  58 , to provide an optimum positioning for the center of gravity or CG  52 . In the illustrated construction, the HDMP  66  is made of tungsten. In some constructions, the HDMP  66  is made of tantalum, rhenium, osmium, iridium, or platinum, or other high density metals, although other constructions include different materials. 
     In some constructions, the HDMP  66  may have the same or a different melt temperature than a melt temperature of the material forming the golf club head body  14 . In some constructions, the HDMP  66  has a melt temperature greater than 0° C., greater than 100° C., greater than 200° C., greater than 300° C., greater than 400° C., greater than 500° C., greater than 600° C., or greater than 700° C. different than a melt temperature of the material forming the golf club head body  14 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3-6 , in the illustrated construction the HDMP  66  has a curved, oblong shape that generally matches a contour of the golf club head body  14  along the rear of the sole  30 . In some constructions, the HDMP  66  has a rectangular, trapezoidal, elliptical, circular, or other-shaped cross section. 
     With specific reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in the illustrated construction the HDMP  66  includes a body  69  having a base portion  70  and a top portion  67 , wherein the top portion  67  comprises half of the HDMP  66  positioned towards the interior of the golf club head body  14  and the base portion  70  comprises the other half of the HDMP  66  closest to the exterior of the golf club head body  14 . The top portion  67  can include a flange  74  extending from top portion  67  of the body  69 . The flange  74  can extend entirely around a perimeter of the HDMP  66 . In other constructions, the flange  74  can extend only around a portion of the perimeter of the HDMP  66 . The base portion  70  includes a first surface  78  and the top portion  67  includes a second surface  82  disposed opposite the first surface  78 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , the combination of the body  69  and the flange  74  forms a generally “T”-shaped profile in cross-section. The flange  74  extends a distance “A” along a direction away from the body  69 . In some constructions, the distance “A” ranges between 0.005 inch and 2.0 inches. Other values and ranges are also possible. For example, in some constructions, the distance “A” is between 0.005 inch and 1.0 inch. In some constructions, the distance “A” is between 0.005 inch and 1.5 inches. In some constructions the distance “A” is between 0.005 inch and 2.5 inches. In some constructions, the distance “A” is between 0.005 inch and 3.0 inches. 
     The flange  74  is disposed inward, toward a center of the golf club head  10 , and the base portion  70  is disposed outward and along an outside of the golf club head  10 , such that the first surface  78  of the base portion  70  is visible along the outside of the golf club head  10 . The first surface  78  is an outward, exposed surface that defines an outer curvature and is flush with or generally follows or is continuous with an outer curvature of the golf club head body  14  such that the profile of the golf club head body  14  is uninterrupted. The second surface  82  is an inward, concealed surface that defines an inner curvature and faces toward the center of the golf club head  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the first surface  78  and the second surface  82  each define a curvature of varying radius, such that the HDMP  66  bends slightly and forms generally an “L-shape.” The radius of curvature of the first surface  78  is greater than the radius of curvature of the second surface  82 . Other constructions include different shapes and curvatures for the HDMP  66  than that illustrated. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 5 , in the illustrated construction the golf club head body  14  has a thickness “B” in an area of the HDMP  66 , and the HDMP  66  has a thickness “C” as measured between the first surface  78  and the second surface  82 . In some constructions, the thickness “B” is 0.15 inch, and the thickness “C” is 0.10 inch. In other constructions, the thickness “B” and thickness “C” can include different values and ranges. For example, in some constructions, the thickness “B” is between 0.10 inch and 1.0 inch. In some constructions, the thickness “B” can be 0.1 inch, 0.15 inch, 0.20 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.35 inch, 0.4 inch, 0.45 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.55 inch, 0.6 inch, 0.65 inch. 0.7 inch, 0.75 inch, 0.8 inch, 0.85 inch, 0.9 inch, 0.95 inch, or 1.0 inch. In some constructions, the thickness “C” is between 0.05 inch and 1.0 inch. In some constructions, the thickness “C” can be 0.05 inch, 0.1 inch, 0.15 inch, 0.20 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.35 inch, 0.4 inch, 0.45 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.55 inch, 0.6 inch, 0.65 inch. 0.7 inch, 0.75 inch, 0.8 inch, 0.85 inch, 0.9 inch, 0.95 inch, or 1.0 inch. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the HDMP  66  also has an overall length “L” and an overall width “W,” as measured in a plane that is perpendicular to the y-axis  58 . In the illustrated construction, the length “L” and the width “W” are each greater than the thickness “C” illustrated in  FIG. 5 , such that the HDMP  66  forms a relatively thin, oblong-shaped structure that fits into a natural profile of the golf club head body  14 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the HDMP  66 , in combination with the golf club head body  14 , forms a gap or void, or recess, or notch, or depression, or groove  86  ( FIG. 5 ) between the first surface  78  of the base portion  70  and the golf club head body  14  along an exterior of the golf club head  10 . In many constructions, the gap  86  can extend entirely around the perimeter of the base portion  70 . The gap  86  may extend towards the interior of the club head, exposing the perimeter of the base portion  70 , wherein oxidation and discoloration caused during the manufacturing process are not visible on the exposed first surface  78 . The base portion  70  and the first surface  78  being the portion of the HDMP  66  which will be exposed to the exterior of the golf club head  10  when the casting process  94  is completed. In some constructions, the gap  86  can extend partially around the perimeter of the base portion  70  creating a gap section. In other constructions, the gap  86  can include one or more portions extending at least partially around the perimeter of the base portion  70  creating a plurality of gap sections. For example, referring to  FIG. 30 , the gap can include a single first gap portion  87  extending around approximately half of the perimeter of the base portion  70 . For further example, referring to  FIG. 31 , the gap  86  can include a first gap portion  87  positioned at a corner  71  of the base portion  70 , a second gap portion  88  positioned at a second corner  72  of the base portion  70 , a third gap portion  89  positioned at a third corner  73  of the base portion  70 , and a fourth gap portion  91  positioned at a fourth corner  75  of the base portion  75 . For further example, referring to  FIG. 32 , the gap  86  can include a first gap portion  87  positioned at a left side  92  of the base portion  70 , and a second gap portion  88  positioned at a right side  93  of the base portion  70 . For further example, referring to  FIG. 32 , the gap  86  can include a first gap portion  87  positioned at a front side  95  of the base portion  70 , and a second gap portion  88  positioned at a back side  96  of the base portion  70 . In other examples, the gap can comprise any combination of the aforementioned gap sections and positions. The gap  86  is formed, at least in part, due to the first surface  78  having a shorter length (e.g., arc length) than the second surface  82 , and/or due to the presence of the flange  74 . The gap  86  formed between the first surface  78  and the golf club head body  14  comprises a gap depth “GD” extending in a direction generally inwardly toward a center of the club head exposing a part of the base portion  70 . In the illustrated construction, the gap  86  is between 0.01 inch and 1 inch deep “GD”, although other values and ranges are also possible. For example, in some constructions, the gap  86  is between 0.01 and 1.5 inches deep. In other constructions, the gap  86  can be 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5 inches deep. Further, the gap  86  comprises a gap width “GW” extending in direction between the first surface  78  and the outer surface of the golf club head body  14 , and perpendicular to the gap depth direction. In the illustrated construction, the gap  86  is also between 0.01 inch and 1 inch wide in a gap width direction “GW” (i.e., in a direction extending in direction between the first surface  78  and the outer surface of the golf club head body  14 , and perpendicular to the gap depth direction), although other values and ranges are also possible. For example, in some constructions the gap  86  is between 0.01 inch and 1.5 inches wide. In some constructions, the gap  86  can be 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5 inches wide. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , the gap  86  is filled with a filler material  90 . In the illustrated construction, the filler material  90  is a flexible material, such as paint, epoxy, rubber, silicon, or other flexible material(s), although other constructions include different materials. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an embedded casting process  94  for forming the golf club head  10  and for coupling the HDMP  66  to the golf club head body  14  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the embedded casting process  94  includes a first step  98  of forming the HDMP  66 . The HDMP  66  is formed, for example, by machining, casting, metal injection molding, direct laser sintering, powdered metal forming processes, or other appropriate processes known to those skilled in the art. 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 8 , when the HDMP  66  is first formed, the HDMP  66  initially includes at least one protrusion  102 . In the illustrated construction, the HDMP  66  includes two protrusions  102  in the form of posts. The two protrusions  102  extend (e.g., perpendicularly) from the first surface  78  of the base portion  70  of the HDMP  66 , and are integrally formed as part of the HDMP  66  (e.g., as monolithic extensions). The two protrusions  102  define axes  106 ,  108  offset from one another. In the illustrated construction, the two axes  106 ,  108  are parallel to one another, although in some constructions the two axes  106 ,  108  are skewed relative to one another, or intersect one another. Each of the two protrusions  102  extends along its respective axis  106 ,  108  away from the first surface  78 . In the illustrated construction, each of the protrusions  102  extends between 0.2 and 10 inches along its respective axis  106 ,  108  away from the first surface  78 , although other constructions include different values and ranges. In some constructions, the protrusions  102  each extend between 0.2 and 1 inch away from the first surface  78 . In some constructions, the protrusions  102  each extend between 0.2 and 5 inches away from the first surface  78 . In some constructions, one of the protrusions  102  extends a longer distance away from the first surface  78  than the other protrusion  102 . In some constructions, the HDMP  66  includes only a single protrusion  102  extending a longer distance (e.g., between 5 and 10 inches). In some constructions the HDMP  66  includes a plurality of protrusions  102  each extending a shorter distance (e.g., between 0.2 and 5 inches). 
     The protrusions  102  also each have a cross-sectional area. In the illustrated construction, the protrusions  102  each have circular cross-sections defining a cross-sectional area between 0.005 square inch and 0.010 square inch, although other constructions include different values and ranges. In some constructions, each of the protrusions  102  has a cross-sectional area of between 0.005 square inch and 0.015 square inch. In some constructions, each of the protrusions  102  has a cross-sectional area of approximately 0.005 square inch. In some constructions, the cross-sectional area of the protrusions  102  can comprise between 1% and 40% of the first surface  78 . In some constructions, the cross-sectional area of the protrusions  102  can comprise between 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% of the first surface  78 . In some constructions, the cross-sectional area approaches or equals an area of the first surface  78 . In some constructions, one of the protrusions  102  has a larger cross-sectional area than the other protrusion  102 . Other constructions include various other numbers of protrusions  102 , including a single protrusion  102 , three protrusions  102 , etc. Other constructions also include various other shapes, sizes, and cross-sectional areas than that illustrated. For example, in some constructions the HDMP  66  includes only a single protrusion  102 , but one that has a large cross-sectional area. In some constructions, one of the protrusions  102  has a first cross-sectional area, and another protrusion  102  has a second, different cross-sectional area. Further, in some constructions the protrusions  102  may have a symmetrical cross-section. In other embodiments, the protrusions  102  may be non-symmetrical. 
     In some constructions, a coating is applied to the HDMP  66  after the HDMP  66  is formed to protect the HDMP  66  during subsequent steps of the embedded casting process  94 . In many constructions, the coating preserves the structural integrity of the HDMP  66  by preventing oxidation during subsequent casting, described in further detail below. The coating can be made of any material capable of withstanding high temperatures as discussed above. For example, the coating can be made of ceramic, metal, cement, silicone, silicate or any other material or combination of materials capable of withstanding high temperatures. Exemplary cermet coatings may include but are not limited to tungsten carbide-cobalt, chromium carbide-nickel chromium, oxide ceramics like chromium oxide and alumina, molybdenum, iron, and nickel. Exemplary metal coatings may include but are not limited to tungsten carbide powder, nitride powder, zirconium oxide, diamond powder, cerium oxide, and aluminum oxide. Further, the coating can be applied using any process such as, for example, chemical vapor deposition, thermal spray, or brushing. In some constructions, the coating can have a thickness ranging from 25 microinches to 400 microinches. In some constructions, a second coating can be applied over the first coating, the second coating having a thickness ranging from 5 microinches to 60 microinches. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7, 9 and 10 , the embedded casting process  94  further includes a second step  110  of placing the HDMP  66  into a wax injection mold, and a third step  114  of injecting wax  118  (e.g., investment wax) into the wax injection mold to partially embed the HDMP  66  in a wax shell or encasement. 
     For example, and with reference to  FIG. 9 , in the illustrated construction a tool  120  is placed in abutment with the HDMP  66 . The tool  120  comprises a plate  125  having at least one aperture  103  configured to receive the protrusion  102  of the HDMP  66 , and a lip, or step, or projection, or rim  121  configured to receive at least a part of the base portion  70  of the HDMP  66  ( FIG. 9  is a schematic representation of the HDMP  66  and tool  120 , and shows only a single protrusion  102 , and aperture  103 , although as described above the HDMP  66  may have two or more protrusions  102  and the tool  120  may have two or more apertures  103 ). The lip  121  can define a recess configured to receive the first surface  78  along with the part of the base portion  70  received by the lip  121 , wherein the aperture  103  can be positioned within the defined recess. In many constructions, the lip  121  is continuous around the entire recess. In other embodiments, the lip  121  can be discontinuous and have multiple sections defining the recess. The lip  121  comprises a lip height “LH” extending away from the plate  125  towards the HDMP  66  and corresponding with the gap depth “GD”. In the illustrated construction, the lip  121  is between 0.01 inch and 1 inches tall, although other values and ranges are also possible. For example, in some constructions, the lip  121  can be between 0.01 and 1.5 inches tall. In some constructions, the lip  121  can be 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45 or 1.5 inches tall. Further, the lip  121  comprises a lip width “LW” extending in a direction parallel to the plate  125  and perpendicular to the lip height direction. The lip width “LW” corresponds with the gap width “GW”. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip  121  is between 0.01 inch and 1 inch wide “LW”, although other values and ranges are also possible. For example, in some constructions, the lip  121  can be between 0.01 and 1.5 inches wide. In some constructions, the lip  121  can be 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45 or 1.5 inches wide. Further, in the illustrated construction, the lip  121  has a rectangular cross section. In other constructions, the lip  121  can take any cross sectional shape. For example, the lip  121  can have a triangular, cylindrical, conical, spherical, cubical or any suitable cross sectional shape. 
     When the wax  118  is injected into the tool  120 , the wax  118  surrounds at least a portion of the HDMP  66 , forming a wax shell and encasement, as shown in  FIG. 10 . This process at least partially embeds the HDMP  66  in the wax  118  in a precise and repeatable manner. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the wax  118  at least partially embeds the flange  74 , and the top portion  67  of the HDMP  66 , whereas the two protrusions  102 , and a part of the base portion  70 , which was received by the lip  121  are left exposed or disposed outside of (projecting out of) the wax  118  creating the gap  86 . In some constructions, only a portion of the base portion  70  can be exposed outside of the wax  118 . In other constructions, the entire base portion  70  can be exposed outside the wax. In other constructions, the entire base portion  70  and part of the top portion can be exposed outside the wax  118 . Once the wax  118  has been injected, the process includes removing the tool  120 , such that the gap  86  is formed between the portion of the HDMP  66  that was received in the lip  121  and the wax  118 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 10 , the embedded casting process  94  further includes a fourth step  122  of adding wax pieces to a wax setup, and a fifth step  126  of coating the wax setup with a ceramic material, after removing the tool  120 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , for example, the wax  118  forms at least one wax piece of a wax assembly for the golf club head  10 . In some constructions, the wax assembly has a main wax body. Each wax piece is attached to the main wax body, forming the overall wax assembly that is used to form the golf club head body  14 . In some constructions, a cone or cup (not shown) is attached to the wax assembly on a top of the wax assembly. This cone includes an opening through which molten material may be poured during a later step. 
     During the fifth step  126 , the wax assembly is dipped into a liquid ceramic slurry to form a ceramic shell  130  ( FIG. 10 ) over the wax assembly. The cone portion of the wax assembly is left open on top. The wax assembly is provided with several layers of ceramic coating to form the ceramic shell  130 , since several coats of ceramic achieves a desired strength that is sufficient for holding molten material in a later step of pouring in molten material into the ceramic shell  130 . Each coating is dried before the next coating is applied. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , during this step, the HDMP  66  is at least partially embedded in a combination of the wax  118  and the ceramic shell  130 . The two protrusions  102  can be encased in the ceramic shell  130 , but the protrusion  102  are not penetrating through the ceramic shell  130 . Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the gap  86 , created by the lip  121  receiving the base portion  70 , can be entirely filled in by the ceramic shell  130 . 
     With reference again to  FIG. 7 , the embedded casting process  94  further includes a sixth step  134  of melting and removing the wax  118 , forming a hollow region between the ceramic and the HDMP  66 . In the illustrated construction, after the ceramic shell  130  has dried, the wax  118  is melted by turning over the wax assembly and heating the wax assembly. During this sixth step  134 , and as described further herein, the HDMP  66  is held rigidly in place in the ceramic shell  130  via the ceramic filled gap  86  and/or the protrusions  102  within the ceramic, and does not therefore translate or rotate relative to the ceramic shell  130 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 7 , the embedded casting process  94  further includes a seventh step  138  of pre-heating the ceramic shell  130 , and an eighth step  142  of pouring molten material (e.g., metal) into the hollowed region between the ceramic shell  130  and the HDMP  66  (e.g., through the opening in the cone described above). The molten material will form at least a portion of the golf club head body  14 . The chosen pre-heated temperature depends, for example, on the material used for the golf club head body  14 . During the eighth step  142  the molten material at least partially embeds the HDMP  66 , and as the molten material cools and solidifies, the HDMP  66  becomes an integral part of the final casting of the golf club head body  14  (i.e., becomes integrally embedded in the club head body  14 ). 
     In some constructions, the molten material is a stainless steel alloy, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, or other low density, high strength metal, although other constructions include different materials. In some constructions, the molten material is a polymer plastic, a thermoplastic, a thermoset, or other similar material is melted and poured into the ceramic shell  130 . In some constructions, the molten material is a steel-based material (e.g., 17-4 PH stainless steel, NITRONIC™ 50 austenitic stainless steel, maraging steel or other types of stainless steel), a titanium-based material such as Ti-9S, and Ti-6-4), an aluminum based material (e.g., a high strength aluminum alloy or a composite aluminum alloy coated with high strength alloy) or any combination thereof. The HDMP  66  may have a higher melting point than the molten material, such that the HDMP  66  does not melt or deform when in contact with the molten material forming the golf club head body  14 . 
     As described above, the use of the two protrusions  102  with axes  106 ,  108  that are offset from one another inhibits or prevents the HDMP  66  from translating or rotating (e.g., twisting) relative to the ceramic shell  130  during the process  94 . In particular, the density of the molten material and the kinetic energy imparted by gravity and/or centrifugal motion tends to produce a force on the HDMP  66  during the eighth step  142 . The protrusions  102  advantageously resist this force and hold the HDMP  66  in place, such that a precise positioning of the HDMP  66  and the resultant center of gravity or CG  52  is not adversely affected. In the same or other constructions, the ceramic filled gap  86  can inhibit or prevent the HDMP  66  from translating along or in the direction of the x or y-axis. Further, the ceramic filled gap  86  can inhibit or prevent the HDMP  66  from rotating about the z-axis. The ceramic filled gap  86  can be in lieu of the two protrusions  102  or in addition to the two protrusions  102 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 7 , the embedded casting process  94  further includes a ninth step  146  of removing the ceramic shell  130 . The ceramic shell  130  is removed, for example, by physically breaking the ceramic shell  130  after the molten metal has cooled, such that the ceramic shell  130  shatters and falls off of the cooled metal and off of the HDMP  66 . In some constructions, the ceramic shell  130  is removed by mechanical means such as vibration, impact, sand blast or fine tool work. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 7 , the embedded casting process  94  further includes a tenth step  150  of separating cast parts from a larger assembly of cast parts. For example, the golf club head  10 , a series of golf club heads  10 , and/or one or more golf clubs overall, may be formed from a plurality of cast parts, such as one or more of the cast golf club head bodies  14  and HDMPs  66  described above. Once all of these cast parts are created as previously described, the parts are separated for further processing. In an eleventh step  154 , all gates and sprues from each cast part are removed. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates one of the cast golf club head bodies  14  and HDMPs  66  after the tenth step  150 . With the ceramic shell  130  having been removed, the first surface  78 , as well as the two protrusions  102 , are exposed along an outside of the golf club head  10  and the golf club head body  14 . The HDMP  66  is held rigidly in place, having been cast into the golf club head body  14 , with the gap  86  having been formed between the HDMP  66  and the golf club head body  14 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 11 , the embedded casting process  94  further includes a twelfth step  158  of removing the two protrusions  102 . The two protrusions  102  are removed, for example, by grinding the protrusions  102  down toward the first surface  78 , and then polishing the first surface  78  until the first surface  78  is smooth. Other constructions include different manners of removing the protrusions  102 , including laser removal, machining, and electrical discharge machining (EDM). The presence of the gap  86  advantageously allows the protrusions  102  to be removed without the concern of scalloping the golf club head body  14 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the embedded casting process  94  further includes a thirteenth and final step  162  of finishing the cast part or parts. For example, and with reference to  FIG. 6 , once the protrusions  102  have been removed, the gap  86  is filled in with the filler material  90  (e.g., paint, epoxy, rubber, silicon, or other flexible materials). 
     Without the gap  86  and/or without the filler material  90 , the HDMP  66  and the golf club head body  14  might otherwise contact one another along the outside of the golf club head body  14 , i.e., along an exposed surface visible to a user. Contact at this junction between the golf club head body  14  and the HDMP  66  might cause the material (e.g., metal) in this region to become discolored in an undesirable way. For example, the juncture of the HDMP  66  and the golf club head body  14  along the outside of the golf club head body  14  is typically hotter than the rest of the golf club head body  14 , at least for a period of time. This temperature difference may cause a visually undesirable appearance at the juncture due to oxidation between the HDMP  66  and the material of the golf club head body  14 . Creation of the gap  86 , as well as use of the filler material  90 , thereby provides a means to separate the first surface  78  of the HDMP  66  from the golf club head body  14  in this region, and to prevent and/or hide any discoloration along the exterior surface of the finished golf club head  10 . Additionally, the ceramic filled gap  86  can inhibit or prevent the HDMP  66  from translating along or in the direction of the x or the y-axis relative to the ceramic shell  130  during the casting process  94 . Further, the ceramic filled gap  86  can inhibit or prevent the HDMP  66  from rotating about the z-axis relative to the ceramic shell  130  during the casting process  94 . 
     The embedded casting process  94  described above advantageously positions the center of gravity or CG  52  of the golf club head  10 . For example, The HDMP  66  has a higher density than the molten material that forms the golf club head body  14 . Thus, when the HDMP  66  is cast into the golf club head body  14 , the HDMP  66  causes the center of gravity or CG  52  to be moved to a desired location (e.g., at a lower, rearward location as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ). In some constructions, the HDMP  66  is heavy enough to account for between 1/7 to 1/9 of a total mass of the golf club head  10  after being cast in place, although other constructions include different values and ranges. 
     The embedded casting process  94  described above also advantageously maximizes the lower, rearward placement of the HDMP  66 . For example the embedded casting process  94  is able to move the center of gravity or CG  52  down and back much farther than currently used methods of placing an HDMP. Additionally, the embedded casting process  94  minimizes supporting structures around the HDMP  66 . This allows weight not used in such supporting structures to be redistributed elsewhere. The embedded casting process  94  also eliminates welding, brazing, swaging, adhesive application, drilling and tapping and other time and labor-intensive operations. The embedded casting process  94  also provides more design freedom for placement of the HDMP  66 , as compared to other methods for joining an HDMP to a club head body that typically impose restrictions on positioning. 
     As described above, the HDMPs themselves may have various shapes and sizes, and may include various numbers, sizes, and shapes of protrusions. For example, FIGS.  12  and  13  illustrate a club head  210  and an HDMP  266  according to another construction. The HDMP  266  is made of tungsten, tantalum, rhenium, osmium, iridium, or platinum, although other constructions include different materials. The HDMP  266  includes a first flange  270  and a second flange  274 . The first and second flanges  270 ,  274  define a groove  278  that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the HDMP  266 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , once the HDMP  266  has been cast using the embedded casting process  94 , a portion of a club head body  214  on the club head  210  extends into the groove  278 . Use of the groove  278  provides added support and further helps to secure the HDMP  266  to the golf club head body  214 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , a gap  286  is also provided for insertion of a filler material, similar to the gap  86  described above, so as to inhibit or prevent the onset of discoloration. Additionally, similar to gap  86 , ceramic filled gap  286  can inhibit or prevent the HDMP  266  from translating along or in the direction of the x or the y-axis relative to the ceramic shell  130  during the casting process  94 . Further, the ceramic filled gap  286  can inhibit or prevent the HDMP  266  from rotating about the z-axis relative to the ceramic shell  130  during the casting process  94 . 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate an HDMP  366  according to yet another construction. The HDMP  366  is made of tungsten, tantalum, rhenium, osmium, iridium, or platinum, although other constructions include different materials. The HDMP  366  includes a protrusion  370  that extends (e.g., perpendicularly) from a surface  374 . The protrusion  370  is a non-cylindrical protrusion, and has a generally triangular-shaped cross-section, although other constructions include different cross-sections, including square, hexagonal, etc. The protrusion  370  includes a first end  378  at the surface  374 , a second end  382  disposed opposite the first end  378  and distally away from the surface  374 , and a notch  386  disposed along a side of the protrusion  370  between the first and second ends  378 ,  382 . The notch  386  defines a cut-out region on the protrusion  370 . In some constructions, the notch  386  cuts away a semi-circular or other-shaped piece from the protrusion  370 . With reference to  FIG. 14 , the notch  386  has a notch length “NL” as measured along a direction “Z” defined by the protrusion  370 . The notch length “NL” is at least 0.005 inch, although other constructions include different values and ranges. For example, in some constructions, the notch length “NL” is at least 0.0075 inch. In some constructions, the notch length “NL” is at least 0.010 inch. In some constructions, the notch has a notch width “NW” as measured along a direction perpendicular to the notch length “NL” of at least 0.005 inch, although other values and ranges are also possible. For example, in some constructions, the notch width “NW” is at least 0.0075 inch. In some constructions, the notch width “NW” is at least 0.010 inch. 
     The single protrusion  370  functions similarly to the combination of the two protrusions  102  described above. For example, during the embedded casting process  94 , the protrusion  370  is embedded at least partially in the ceramic shell  130 . Because of the non-cylindrical shape of the protrusion  370 , the protrusion  370  is less likely to slide out of the ceramic shell  130  or to translate or rotate (e.g., twist) relative to the ceramic shell  130  than with a single cylindrical protrusion. Additionally, the notch  386  provides a further grip onto the ceramic shell  130  that inhibits or prevents the protrusion  370  from translating or rotating relative (e.g., twisting) relative to the ceramic shell  130  (e.g. from moving along the direction “Z” illustrated in  FIG. 14 ). The notch  386  is free from the wax  118  during the embedded casting process  94  (e.g., is disposed away from an outside surface of the wax  118 ), and receives the ceramic material that forms the ceramic shell  130 . In some constructions, more than one notch  386  is provided on the non-cylindrical protrusion  370 . In some constructions, the non-cylindrical protrusion  370  does not include a notch  386 . In some constructions, the notch  386  is located at a different location along the protrusion  370  than that shown (e.g., is located at the second end  382 ). In the same or other constructions, a gap, similar to gap  86 , can be used to inhibit or prevent the HDMP  366  from translating along or in the direction of the x or y-axis. Further, the ceramic filled gap can inhibit or prevent the HDMP  366  from rotating about the z-axis. The gap can be in lieu of the protrusion  370  and/or the notch  386  or in addition to the protrusion  370  and/or the notch  386 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an HDMP  466  according to yet another construction, cast into a material  468  (e.g., 17-4 stainless steel). The HDMP  466  is made of tungsten, tantalum, rhenium, osmium, iridium, or platinum, although other constructions include different materials. The HDMP  466  includes a cylindrical protrusion  470  that extends (e.g., perpendicularly) from a surface  474  of a base portion  476  ( FIG. 16  is a schematic representation; in some constructions the HDMP  466  also includes, for example, a flange similar to the flange  74  described above). The protrusion  470  includes a first end  478  at the surface  474  and a second end  482  disposed opposite the first end  478  and distally away from the surface  474 . The cylindrical protrusion  470  also includes a notch  486 . The notch  486  is disposed along a side of the protrusion  470  at the second end  482 . The notch  486  defines a cut-out region on the protrusion  470 . Similar to the notch  386 , the notch  486  provides a grip onto the ceramic shell  130  during the embedded casting process  94 , and inhibits or prevents the HDMP  466  from translating or rotating (e.g., twisting) relative to the ceramic shell  130 . In the same or other constructions, a gap, similar to gap  86 , can be used to inhibit or prevent the HDMP  466  from translating along or in the direction of the x or y-axis. Further, the ceramic filled gap can inhibit or prevent the HDMP  466  from rotating about the z-axis. The gap can be in lieu of the protrusion  470  and/or the notch  486  or in addition to the protrusion  470  and/or the notch  486 . In some constructions, the protrusion  470  includes more than one notch  486 . In some constructions, more than one protrusion  470  is provided, at least one of which includes the notch  486 . The notch  486  defines a cut-out region on the protrusion  470 . In some constructions, the notch  486  cuts away a semi-circular or other-shaped piece from second end  482  of the protrusion  474 . The notch has a notch length “NL 1 ” as measured along a direction “Z 1 ” defined by the protrusion  470 . The notch length “NL 1 ” is 0.005 inch, although other constructions include different values and ranges. For example, in some constructions, the notch length “NL 1 ” is at least 0.0075 inch. In some constructions, the notch length “NL 1 ” is at least 0.010 inch. In some constructions, the notch has a notch width “NW 1 ” as measured along a direction perpendicular to the notch length “NL 1 ” of at least 0.005 inch, although other values and ranges are also possible. For example, in some constructions, the notch width “NW 1 ” is at least 0.0075 inch. In some constructions, the notch width “NW 1 ” is at least 0.010 inch. 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate an HDMP  566  according to yet another construction. The HDMP  566  is made of tungsten, tantalum, rhenium, osmium, iridium, or platinum, although other constructions include different materials. Similar to the HDMP  66 , the HDMP  566  includes a base portion  570 , a flange  574 , a first surface  578  on the base portion  570 , and an opposite, second surface  582  on the flange  574 . The HDMP  566  also includes a protrusion  586  that extends (e.g., perpendicularly) from the first surface  578 . The protrusion  586  is an elongate bar. As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , during the embedded casting process  94  the protrusion  586  is embedded in the ceramic shell  130 . Because the protrusion  586  is an elongate bar, the HDMP  566  is inhibited or prevented from translating or rotating (e.g., twisting) relative to the ceramic shell  130 . In some constructions, the HDMP  566  includes more than one protrusion  586 . In some constructions the protrusion  586  includes one or more notches (e.g., a notch like notch  386  or notch  486 ). In the same or other constructions, a gap, similar to gap  86 , can be used to inhibit or prevent the HDMP  566  from translating along or in the direction of the x or y-axis. Further, the ceramic filled gap can inhibit or prevent the HDMP  566  from rotating about the z-axis. The gap can be in lieu of the protrusion  586  or in addition to the protrusion  586 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates an HDMP  666  according to yet another construction. The HDMP  666  includes at least one through-hole  670  extending therethrough. In the illustrated construction, the HDMP  666  includes two through-holes  670 , although other constructions include different numbers and arrangements of through-holes  670 . For example, in some constructions the HDMP  666  includes a single through-hole  670 . In some constructions, the HDMP  666  includes more than two through-holes  670 . In the illustrated construction, the through-holes  670  are cylindrical, having a constant diameter. In some constructions, the through-holes  670  have varying diameters. The through-holes  670  are exposed to the flow of the molten material (e.g., metal) during the embedded casting process  94 . The through-holes  670  thus provide openings into which the molten material (e.g., metal) flows during the embedded casting process  94 . When the molten material cools and solidifies, the HDMP  666  is supported and gripped by solidified material in the through-holes  670 . 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate an HDMP  766  according to yet another construction. The HDMP  766  includes at least one outer surface  770 , and at least one depression  774  (e.g., blind hole) disposed on the at least one outer surface  770 . In the illustrated construction, the HDMP  766  includes twenty one depressions  774  disposed on five different outer surfaces  770 , although other constructions include different numbers and arrangements of depressions  774 . For example, in some constructions the HDMP  766  includes one or more depressions  774  disposed only on a single outer surface  770 . In some constructions, the HDMP  766  includes a single depression  774  on a plurality of different outer surfaces  770 . In the illustrated construction, the depressions  774  are cylindrical, having a constant diameter. In some constructions, the depressions  774  have varying diameters. In some constructions, the depressions  774  are bowl-shaped, conical, or other-shaped to provide a depressed area or region non-continuous with the surface  770 . The depressions  774  are exposed to the flow of the molten material (e.g., metal) during the embedded casting process  94 . The depressions  774  thus provide openings into which the molten material flows during the embedded casting process  94 . When the molten material cools and solidifies, the HDMP  766  is supported and gripped by the solidified material in the depressions  774 . 
     In some constructions, an HDMP includes both at least one through-hole  670  as well as at least one depression  774 . In some constructions, an HDMP includes at least one protrusion (e.g., a protrusion  102 ,  370 ,  470 , or  586  as described above), as well as at least one through-hole  670  and/or at least one depression  774 . In some constructions, an HDMP has an as-formed surface. In some constructions, an HDMP has a surface processed to a desired roughness. In some constructions, an HDMP has a coating applied to enhance adhesion to the wax  118  and/or to the ceramic shell  130  during the embedded casting process  94  described above. In some constructions, an HDMP includes at least two different protrusions (e.g., a protrusion  102  and a protrusion  370 ). In some constructions, a golf club head includes more than one HDMP that is cast in place using the embedded casting process  94  described above. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates another embedded casting process  1094  for forming the golf club head  10  and for coupling the HDMP  866  to the golf club head body  14  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 . The embedded casting process  1094  illustrated in  FIG. 22  is similar in many respects to the embedded casting process  94  illustrated in  FIG. 7 , except the embedded casting process  1094  illustrated in  FIG. 22  is devoid of the step including removing the HDMP protrusions from the part. The embedded casting process  1094  includes a first step  1098  of forming the HDMP  866 . The HDMP  866  is formed, for example, by machining, casting, metal injection molding, direct laser sintering, powdered metal forming processes, or other appropriate processes known to those skilled in the art. 
     With reference to  FIG. 23 , the HDMP  866  is similar to HDMP  66 , except the HDMP  866  is devoid of any protrusions extending from the first surface  878  of the base portion  870  of the HDMP  866  as opposed to the protrusions  102  on the first surface  78  of HDMP  66 . However, in the illustrated construction, the HDMP  866  includes a single protrusion  802  extending from the second surface  882  of the HDMP  866 . The protrusion  802  may extend (e.g., perpendicularly) from the second surface  882  of the HDMP  866 , and may be integrally formed as part of the HDMP  866 . In the illustrated construction, the protrusion  802  extends between 0.2 and 10 inches away from the second surface  882 , although other constructions include different values and ranges. In some constructions, the protrusion  802  extends between 0.2 and 1 inch away from the second surface  882 . In some constructions, the protrusion  802  extends between 0.2 and 5 inches away from the second surface  882 . In some constructions, the HDMP  866  may not include any protrusions  802 . In some constructions the HDMP  866  includes a plurality of protrusions  802 . In other constructions, the HDMP  866  can include two protrusions  802  extending from the second surface along axes that are parallel to one and other. In other constructions, the protrusions  802  can comprise a notch (not shown) similar to the notch  386  described above with reference to protrusion  370  of HDMP  366 . 
     The protrusion  802  also has a cross-sectional area. In the illustrated construction, the protrusion  802  has a circular cross-section defining a cross-sectional area between 0.005 square inch and 0.010 square inch, although other constructions can include different values and ranges. In some constructions, the protrusion  802  has a cross-sectional area of between 0.005 square inch and 0.015 square inch. In some constructions, the protrusion  802  has a cross-sectional area of approximately 0.005 square inch. In some constructions, the cross-sectional area approaches or equals an area of the first surface  878 . Additionally, other constructions may include a protrusion  802  having a different cross-section, including triangular, square, hexagonal, etc. Further, in some constructions the protrusion  802  may have a symmetrical cross-section. In other embodiments, the protrusion  802  may be non-symmetrical. 
     In some constructions, a coating is applied to the HDMP  866  after the HDMP  866  is formed to protect the HDMP  866  during subsequent steps of the embedded casting process  1094 . In many constructions, the coating preserves the structural integrity of the HDMP  866  by preventing oxidation during subsequent casting, described in further detail below. The coating can be made of any material capable of withstanding high temperatures as discussed above. For example, the coating can be made of ceramic, metal, cermet, silicone, silicate or any other material or combination of materials capable of withstanding high temperatures. Exemplary cermet coatings may include but are not limited to tungsten carbide-cobalt, chromium carbide-nickel chromium, oxide ceramics like chromium oxide and alumina, molybdenum, iron, and nickel. Exemplary metal coatings may include but are not limited to tungsten carbide powder, nitride powder, zirconium oxide, diamond powder, cerium oxide, and aluminum oxide. Further, the coating can be applied using any process such as, for example, chemical vapor deposition, thermal spray, or brushing. In some constructions, the coating can have a thickness ranging from 25 microinches to 400 microinches. In some constructions, a second coating can be applied over the first coating, the second coating having a thickness ranging from 5 microinches to 60 microinches. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 22, 24 and 25 , the embedded casting process  1094  further includes a second step  1110  of placing the HDMP  866  into a wax injection mold, and a third step  1114  of injecting the wax  818  (e.g., investment wax) into the wax injection mold to partially embed the HDMP  866  in a wax shell or encasement. The wax injection mold creates a gap  886  between the outer surface of the base portion  870  and the wax  818 . The outer surface of the base portion  870  being the portion of the HDMP  866  which will be exposed to the exterior of the golf club head  10  when the casting process  1094  is completed. In many constructions, the gap  866  can extend entirely around the base portion  870 . In some constructions, the gap  866  can extend partially around the base  870 . In other constructions, the gap  886  can include one or more portions extending at least partially around the base portion  870  creating a plurality of gap sections. For example, referring to  FIG. 30 , the gap can include a single first gap portion  87  extending around approximately half of the base portion  70 . For further example, referring to  FIG. 31 , the gap  86  can include a first gap portion  87  positioned at a corner  71  of the base portion  70 , a second gap portion  88  positioned at a second corner  72  of the base portion  70 , a third gap portion  89  positioned at a third corner  73  of the base portion  70 , and a fourth gap portion  91  positioned at a fourth corner  75  of the base portion  7570 . For further example, referring to  FIG. 32 , the gap  86  can include a first gap portion  87  positioned at a left side  92  of the base portion  70 , and a second gap portion  88  positioned at a right side  93  of the base portion  70 . For further example, referring to  FIG. 32 , the gap  86  can include a first gap portion  87  positioned at a front side  95  of the base portion  70 , and a second gap portion  88  positioned at a back side  96  of the base portion  70 . In other examples, the gap  86  can comprise any combination of the aforementioned gap sections and positions. 
     For example, and with reference to  FIG. 24 , in the illustrated construction a tool  820  is positioned in abutment with the HDMP  866 . The tool  820  comprises a first plate  825  and a second plate  826 . The first plate  825  comprising a lip  821  configured to receive at least a part of the base portion  870  of the HDMP  866 . The lip  821  can define a recess configured to receive the first surface  878  along with the part of the base portion  870  received by the lip  821 , wherein the aperture  803  can be positioned within the defined recess. In many constructions, the lip  821  is continuous around the entire recess. In other embodiments, the lip  821  can be discontinuous and have multiple sections defining the recess. The second plate  826  comprises at least on aperture  803  configured to receive the protrusion  802  of the HDMP  866  ( FIG. 24  is a schematic representation of the HDMP  866  and tool  820 , and shows only a single protrusion  802  and aperture  803 , although as described above the HDMP  866  may have two or more protrusions  802  and the tool  820  may have two or more aperture  803 ). In many constructions, the lip  821  can extend entirely around the perimeter of the HDMP  866 . In some constructions, the lip  821  can extend partially around the perimeter of the HDMP  866 . In other constructions, the lip  821  can include one or more portions extending at least partially around the perimeter of the HDMP  866 . The lip  821  comprises a lip height “LH” extending away from the plate  825  towards the HDMP  866 . In the illustrated construction, the lip height “LH” is between 0.01 inch and 1 inches tall, although other values and ranges are also possible. For example, in some constructions, the lip  821  can be between 0.01 and 1.5 inches tall. In some constructions, the lip  821  can be 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45 and 1.5 inches tall. Further, the lip  821  comprises a lip width “LW” extending in a direction parallel to the plate  825  and perpendicular to the lip height direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip width “LW” is between 0.01 inch and 1.0 inch in width “LW”, although other values and ranges are also possible. For example, in some constructions, the lip  821  can be between 0.01 and 1.5 inches wide. In some constructions, the lip  821  can be 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45 and 1.5 inches wide. Further, in the illustrated construction, the lip  821  has a rectangular cross section. In other constructions, the lip  821  can take any cross sectional shape. For example, the lip  821  can have a triangular, cylindrical, conical, spherical, cubical or any suitable cross sectional shape. 
     When the wax  818  is injected in the tool  820 , the wax  818  surrounds at least a portion of the HDMP  866 , forming a wax shell and encasement, as shown in  FIG. 25 . The process at least partially embeds the HDMP  866  in the wax  818  in a precise and repeatable manner. As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the wax  818  at least partially embeds the flange  874  and the top portion  867 , whereas the base portion  870  and the protrusion  802  are left exposed or disposed outside of (projecting out of) the wax  818 . In some constructions, only a portion of the base portion  870  can be exposed outside of the wax  818 . In other constructions, the entire base portion  870  and a portion of the top portion  867  can be exposed outside of the wax  818 . Once the wax  818  has been injected, the process includes removing the tool  820 , such that a gap  886  is formed between the portion of the HDMP  866  that was received in the lip  821  and the wax  818 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 22 and 25 , the embedded casting process  1094  further includes a fourth step  1122  of adding wax pieces to a wax setup, and a fifth step  1126  of coating the wax setup with a ceramic material, after removing the tool  820 . As illustrated in  FIG. 25  for example, the wax  818  forms at least one wax piece of a wax assembly for the golf club head  10 . In some constructions, the wax assembly has a main wax body. Each wax piece is attached to the main wax body, forming the overall wax assembly that is used to form the golf club head body  14 . In some constructions, a cone or cup (not shown) is attached to the wax assembly on a top of the wax assembly. This cone includes an opening through which molten material may be poured during a later step. 
     During the fifth step  1126 , the wax assembly is dipped into a liquid ceramic slurry to form a ceramic shell  830  ( FIG. 25 ) over the wax assembly. The wax assembly is provided with several layers of ceramic coating to form the ceramic shell  830 , since several coats of ceramic achieves a desired strength that is sufficient for holding molten material in a later step of pouring in molten material into the ceramic shell  830 . Each coating is dried before the next coating is applied. As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , during this step the HDMP  866  is at least partially embedded in a combination of the wax  818  and the ceramic shell  830 , with the protrusion  802  being encased in the ceramic shell  830  but not penetrating through the ceramic shell  830  and the gap  886 , created by the lip  821  receiving a part of the base portion  870 , being occupied by the ceramic material forming the ceramic shell  830 . 
     With reference again to  FIG. 22 , the embedded casting process  1094  further includes a sixth step  1134  of melting and removing the wax  818  creating a hollow region between the HDMP  866  and the ceramic shell  830 . In the illustrated construction, after the ceramic shell  830  has dried, the wax  818  is melted by turning over the wax assembly and heating the wax assembly. During this sixth step  834 , and as described further herein, the HDMP  866  is held rigidly in the ceramic shell  830  by the protrusion  802  and/or the ceramic filled gap  886 ; the protrusion  802  preventing translation along or in the direction of the z-axis relative to the ceramic shell  830 , and the gap  886  preventing translation along or in the direction of the x or y-axis and prevents rotation about the z-axis relative to the ceramic shell  830 . A hollow region forms between the ceramic shell  830  and the HDMP  866 . The HDMP  866 , with continued reference to  FIG. 22 , the embedded casting process  1094  further includes a seventh step  1138  of pre-heating the ceramic shell  830 , and an eighth step  1142  of pouring molten material (e.g., metal) into the hollow region between the HDMP  866  and the ceramic shell  830  (e.g., through the opening in the cone described above). The molten material will form at least a portion of the golf club head body  14 . The chosen pre-heated temperature depends, for example, on the material used for the golf club head body  14 . During the eighth step  1142  the molten material at least partially embeds the HDMP  866 , and as the molten material cools and solidifies, the HDMP  866  becomes an integral part of the final casting of the golf club head body  14  (i.e., becomes integrally embedded in the club head body  14 ). 
     In some constructions, the molten material is a stainless steel alloy, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, or other low density, high strength metal, although other constructions include different materials. In some constructions, the molten material is a polymer plastic, a thermoplastic, a thermoset, or other similar material is melted and poured into the ceramic shell  830 . In some constructions, the molten material is a steel-based material (e.g., 17-4 PH stainless steel, NITRONIC™ 50 austenitic stainless steel, maraging steel or other types of stainless steel), a titanium-based material such as Ti-9S, and Ti-6-4), an aluminum based material (e.g., a high strength aluminum alloy or a composite aluminum alloy coated with high strength alloy) or any combination thereof. The HDMP  866  may have a higher melting point than the molten material, such that the HDMP  866  does not melt or deform when in contact with the molten material forming the golf club head body  14 . 
     As described above, the use of the protrusion  802  and/or the ceramic filled gap  886  inhibits or prevents the HDMP  866  from translating or rotating in any direction relative to the ceramic shell  830  during the embedded casting process  1094 . In particular, the density of the molten material and the kinetic energy imparted by gravity and/or centrifugal motion tends to produce a force on the HDMP  866  during the eighth step  1142 . The protrusion  802  and/or the ceramic filled gap  886  advantageously resist this force and hold the HDMP  866  in place, such that a precise positioning of the HDMP  866  and the resultant center of gravity or CG  52  is not adversely affected. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 22 , the embedded casting process  1094  further includes a ninth step  1146  of removing the ceramic shell  830 . The ceramic shell  830  is removed, for example, by physically breaking the ceramic shell  830  after the molten metal has cooled, such that the ceramic shell  830  shatters and falls off of the cooled metal and off of the HDMP  866 . In some constructions, the ceramic shell  830  is removed by mechanical means such as vibration, impact, sand blast or fine tool work. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 22 , the embedded casting process  1094  further includes a tenth step  1150  of separating cast parts from a larger assembly of cast parts. For example, the golf club head  10 , a series of golf club heads  10 , and/or one or more golf clubs overall, may be formed from a plurality of cast parts, such as one or more of the cast golf club head bodies  14  and HDMPs  866  described above. Once all of the cast parts are created as previously described, the parts are separated for further processing. In an eleventh step  1154 , all gates and sprues from each cast part are removed. 
       FIG. 26  illustrates one of the cast golf club head bodies  14  and HDMPs  866  after the tenth step  1150 . With the ceramic shell  830  having been removed, the first surface  878 , along with the gap  886  are exposed along an outside of the golf club head  10  and the golf club head body  14 . The HDMP  866  is held rigidly in place, having been cast into the golf club head body  14 , with the gap  886  having been formed between the HDMP  866  and the golf club head body  14 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 22 , the embedded casting process  1094  further includes a twelfth and final step  1162  of finishing the cast part or parts. For example, and with reference to  FIG. 6 , the gap  886  is filled in with the filler material  90  (e.g., paint, epoxy, rubber, silicon, or other flexible materials). In many constructions, the twelfth step of the embedded casting process  94  illustrated in  FIG. 7 , including removing the protrusion  102  from the first surface  78  of the HDMP  66  is not required, as the protrusion  802  of HDMP  866  used in embedded casting process  1094  is positioned on the interior of the club head  14 . 
     Without the gap  886  and/or without the filler material  90 , the HDMP  866  and the golf club head body  14  might otherwise contact one another along the outside of the golf club head body  14 , i.e., along an exposed surface visible to a user. Contact at this junction between the golf club head body  14  and the HDMP  866  might cause the material (e.g., metal) in this region to become discolored in an undesirable way. For example, the juncture of the HDMP  866  and the golf club head body  14  along the outside of the golf club head body  14  is typically hotter than the rest of the golf club head body  14 , at least for a period of time. This temperature difference may cause a visually undesirable appearance at the juncture due to oxidation between the HDMP  866  and the material of the golf club head body  14 . Creation of the gap  886 , as well as use of the filler material  90 , thereby provides a means to separate the first surface  878  of the HDMP  866  from the golf club head body  14  in this region, and to prevent and/or hide any discoloration along the exterior of the finished golf club head  10 . Further, the gap  886  prevents translation of the HDMP  866  in the x or y-axis and prevents rotation about the z-axis relative to the ceramic shell  830  during the casting process  1094 . 
     The club head  10  having the HDMP  866  can be formed using the embedded casting process  1094  illustrated in  FIG. 22 . The embedded casting process  1094  described above advantageously positions the center of gravity or CG  52  of the golf club head  10 . For example, The HDMP  866  has a higher density than the molten material that forms the golf club head body  14 . Thus, when the HDMP  866  is cast into the golf club head body  14 , the HDMP  866  causes the center of gravity or CG  52  to be moved to a desired location (e.g., at a lower, rearward location as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ). In some constructions, the HDMP  866  is heavy enough to account for between 1/7 to 1/9 of a total mass of the golf club head  10  after being cast in place, although other constructions include different values and ranges. 
     The embedded casting process  1094  described above also advantageously maximizes the lower, rearward placement of the HDMP  866 . For example the embedded casting process  1094  is able to move the center of gravity or CG  52  down and back much farther than currently used methods of placing an HDMP. Additionally, the embedded casting process  1094  minimizes supporting structures around the HDMP  866 . This allows weight not used in such supporting structures to be redistributed elsewhere. The embedded casting process  1094  also eliminates welding, brazing, swaging, adhesive application, drilling and tapping and other time and labor-intensive operations. The embedded casting process  1094  also provides more design freedom for placement of the HDMP  866 , as compared to other methods for joining an HDMP to a club head body that typically impose restrictions on positioning. 
     Further, the HDMP  866  and embedded casting process  1094  are advantageous as they do not require removal of protrusions from the HDMP  866 . This step is not needed as the protrusion  802  extends inward relative to the club head  14  to prevent translation along or in the direction of the z-axis and the gap  886  prevents translation along or in the direction of the x or y-axis and prevents rotation about the z-axis securing the HDMP  866  in place during casting. 
       FIGS. 27, 28 and 29  illustrate an HDMP  966  according to yet another construction. The HDMP  966  is made of tungsten, tantalum, rhenium, osmium, iridium, or platinum, although other constructions include different materials. The HDMP  966  is similar to HDMP  66 , except that the HDMP  966  is devoid of any protrusions, as illustrated in FIG.  27 . The club head  10  having HDMP  966  can be formed using the embedded casting process  1094  illustrated in  FIG. 22 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 27 , the tool  920 , used for the wax injection according to the third step  1114 , comprises a first plate  925  and a second plate  926 . The tool  920  is similar to the tool  820  described above, except that the aperture  903  of the second plate  926  comprises a cylindrical wall  927  which extends from the second plate  925  inwards towards the first plate  925 , or towards the second surface  982  of the HDMP  966 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical wall  927  is between 0.01 inch and 1.5 inch in height “AH” (i.e., in a direction extending toward the first plate  925 ), although other values and ranges are also possible. For example, in some constructions, the aperture can be 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45 and 1.5 inch tall. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the aperture  903  has a rectangular cross-section. In other embodiments, the aperture  903  can have a triangular, conical, spherical, cubical or any other suitable cross-sectional shape. 
     When the wax  918  is injected into the tool  920 , the wax surrounds at least a portion of the HDMP  966  similar to when the wax is injected into the tool  820  except the tool  920  creates an aperture  903  through the thickness of the wax  918  to the second surface  982  on the top portion  967  of the HDMP  966 . This leaves a portion of the second surface  982  exposed to the exterior for step five 1126. Step five 1126, includes applying the ceramic shell  930  to the HDMP  966 . The aperture  903  receives the ceramic material used to form the ceramic shell and creates a ceramic post  904  ( FIG. 28 ) through the wax  918  adjacent to the second surface  982  of the HDMP  966 . During the sixth step  1134 , involving melting out the wax, the ceramic post  904  adjacent to the second surface  982 , in combination with the portion of the ceramic shell  930  positioned on the first surface  978  of the HDMP  966 , prevent the HDMP  966  from translating along or in the direction of the z-axis. 
     In other embodiments, the tool  920  can create a plurality of apertures. These apertures function similarly to aperture  903  in that each receives the ceramic material used to form the ceramic shell and creates a plurality of ceramic posts. For example, in some embodiments, the tool  920  can be configured to create one, two, three, four, five, or six apertures  903  that receive the ceramic material used to form the ceramic shell and creates a plurality of ceramic posts. Each ceramic post extends through the wax  918  adjacent to the second surface  982  of the HDMP  966 . During the sixth step  1134 , involving melting out the wax, the ceramic posts adjacent to the second surface  982 , in combination with the portion of the ceramic shell  930  positioned on the first surface  978  of the HDMP  966 , prevent the HDMP  966  from translating along or in the direction of the z-axis. In other embodiments, the tool  920  can be configured to create any number of apertures similar to aperture  903 . In some embodiments, the apertures may be separated by a constant distance. In other embodiments, the apertures may be separated by irregular distance. In some embodiments, each aperture may have the same cross-sectional size. In other embodiments, each aperture may have a different cross-sectional size. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 28 and 29 , the HDMP  966 , in combination with the club head body  14 , forms a gap  986  between the base portion  970  and the golf club head body  14  along an exterior of the golf club head  10 . The outer surface of the base portion  970  being the portion of the HDMP  966  which will be exposed to the exterior of the golf club head  10  when the casting process  1094  is completed. The gap  986  is similar to the gap  86  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The gap  986  can extend entirely around the base  970  or may extend only partially around the base  970  creating gap sections. In other constructions, the gap  86  can include one or more portions extending at least partially around the base portion  70  creating a plurality of gap sections. For example, referring to  FIG. 30 , the gap can include a single first gap portion  87  extending around approximately half of the base portion  70 . For further example, referring to  FIG. 31 , the gap  86  can include a first gap portion  87  positioned at a corner  71  of the base portion  70 , a second gap portion  88  positioned at a second corner  72  of the base portion  70 , a third gap portion  89  positioned at a third corner  73  of the base portion  70 , and a fourth gap portion  91  positioned at a fourth corner  75  of the base portion  70 . For further example, referring to  FIG. 32 , the gap  86  can include a first gap portion  87  positioned at a left side  92  of the base portion  70 , and a second gap portion  88  positioned at a right side  93  of the base portion  70 . For further example, referring to  FIG. 32 , the gap  86  can include a first gap portion  87  positioned at a front side  95  of the base portion  70 , and a second gap portion  88  positioned at a back side  96  of the base portion  70 . In other examples, the gap  86  can comprise any combination of the aforementioned gap sections and positions. Further, the gap may extend from 0.01 to 1 in deep in a gap depth direction “GD” (i.e., in a direction generally inwardly toward a center of the club head), although other values and ranges are also possible. For example, in some constructions, the gap  986  is between 0.01 and 1.25 inches deep. In some constructions, the gap  986  is between 0.01 and 1.5 inches deep. In the illustrated construction, the gap  986  is also between 0.01 inch and 1 inch wide in a gap width direction “GW” (i.e., in a direction extending between the outer, first surface  978  and the outer surface of the golf club head body  14 , and perpendicular to the gap depth direction), although other values and ranges are also possible. For example, in some constructions the gap  986  is between 0.01 inch and 1.25 inches wide. In some constructions, the gap  986  is between 0.01 and 1.5 inches wide. The gap  986  receives the ceramic material that forms the ceramic shell  903 . The ceramic shell  903  then prevents the HDMP  966  from translating along or in the direction of the x or y-axis and from rotating about the z-axis relative to the ceramic shell  930  during the casting process  1094 . 
     Further, the HDMP  966  and embedded casting process  1094  are advantageous as they do not require removal of protrusions from the HDMP  966 . This step is not needed as the HDMP  966  is devoid of any protrusions. The ceramic post  904  along with the portion of the ceramic shell  930  positioned along the first surface  978  of the HDMP  966  prevent translation of the HDMP  966  along or in the direction of the z-axis relative to the ceramic shell  930  during casting process  1094 . Further, the gap  986  prevents the HDMP  966  from translating along or in the direction of the x or y-axis and from rotating about the z-axis relative to the ceramic shell  930  during the casting process  1094 . These features of HDMP  966  reduce manufacturing cost and time to improve efficiency. 
     The HDMP  66 ,  266 ,  366 ,  466 ,  566 ,  666 ,  766 ,  866 ,  966  described herein prevents undesired movements associated with forces applied during the sixth  134 ,  1134 , seventh,  138 ,  1138 , and eighth  142 ,  1142  steps of the embedded casting process  94 ,  1094 . These forces can cause the HDMP  66 ,  266 ,  366 ,  466 ,  566 ,  666 ,  766 ,  866 ,  966  to translate or rotate in an undesired manner during the casting process in the direction of or about the z-axis, x-axis, and y-axis or any combination thereof. The protrusions  102 ,  370 ,  470 ,  586 ,  802  and the gaps  86 ,  286 ,  886 ,  986  prevent undesired movements (ie. translations or rotations) of the HDMP  66 ,  266 ,  366 ,  466 ,  566 ,  666 ,  766 ,  866 ,  966  during the casting process  94 ,  1094 . 
     For example, in some embodiments, translation along or in the direction of the x-axis can be inhibited or prevented by the gap  86 ,  286 ,  886 ,  986  and/or by the protrusions  102 ,  370 ,  470 ,  586 ,  802 . In some embodiments, the gap  986  can prevent translation of the HDMP  966  devoid of protrusions  102 ,  370 ,  470 ,  586 ,  802  along or in the direction of the x-axis. In other embodiments, the gap  86 ,  286 ,  886  can prevent the HDMP  66 ,  266 ,  366 ,  466 ,  566 ,  666 ,  766 ,  866  from translation along or in the direction of the x-axis instead of or in addition to protrusions  102 ,  370 ,  470 ,  586 ,  802 . 
     For further example, in some embodiments, translation along or in the direction of the y-axis can be inhibited or prevented by the gap  86 ,  286 ,  886 ,  986  and/or by the protrusions  102 ,  370 ,  470 ,  586 ,  802 . In some embodiments, the gap  986  can prevent translation of the HDMP  966  devoid of protrusions  102 ,  370 ,  470 ,  586 ,  802  along or in the direction of the y-axis. In other embodiments, the gap  86 ,  286 ,  886  can prevent the HDMP  66 ,  266 ,  366 ,  466 ,  566 ,  666 ,  766 ,  866  from translation along or in the direction of the y-axis instead of or in addition to protrusions  102 ,  370 ,  470 ,  586 ,  802 . 
     For further example, in some embodiments, translation along or in the direction of the z-axis can be inhibited or prevented by the ceramic post  904  and/or by the protrusions  102 ,  370 ,  470 ,  586 ,  802 . In some embodiments, the ceramic post  904  can prevent translation of the HDMP  966  devoid of protrusions  102 ,  370 ,  470 ,  586 ,  802  along or in the direction of the z-axis. In other embodiments, the protrusions  102 ,  370 ,  470 ,  586 ,  802  can prevent the HDMP  66 ,  266 ,  366 ,  466 ,  566 ,  666 ,  766 ,  866  from translation along or in the direction of the z-axis. 
     For further example, in some embodiments, rotation about the z-axis can be inhibited or prevented by the gap  86 ,  286 ,  886 ,  986  and/or by the protrusions  102 ,  370 ,  470 ,  586 . In some embodiments, the gap  886 ,  986  can prevent translation of the HDMP  866 ,  966  devoid of protrusions  102 ,  370 ,  470 ,  586 ,  802  along or in the direction of the z-axis. In other embodiments, the gap  86 ,  286  can prevent the HDMP  66 ,  266 ,  366 ,  466 ,  566 ,  666 ,  766  from rotating about the z-axis instead of or in addition to protrusions  102 ,  370 ,  470 ,  586 . 
     In the illustrated embodiments, rotation about the x-axis and rotation about the y-axis is inherently prevented by the structure of the HDMP  66 ,  266 ,  366 ,  466 ,  566 ,  666 ,  766 ,  866 ,  966  and the casting mold in combination with the gap  86 ,  286 ,  886 ,  986  or protrusions  102 ,  370 ,  470 ,  586 ,  802 . 
     The embedded casting processes  94 ,  1094  and the HDMPs described herein are merely exemplary and are not limited to the constructions presented herein. For example, the embedded casting process  94 ,  1094  can be employed in many different constructions or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some constructions, the embedded casting process  94 ,  1094  can be performed in any suitable order. In some constructions, one or more of the steps of the embedded casting process  94 ,  1094  may be combined, separated, or skipped. 
     Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such claims. 
     As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&amp;A), etc.), golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     While the above examples may be described in connection with a wood-type golf club, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to a variety of types of golf clubs including drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, crossovers, or any hollow body type golf clubs. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of sports equipment such as a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a fishing pole, a ski pole, etc. 
     While the above examples describe an HDMP as being located at a particular location along the x-axis  54 , y-axis  58 , and z-axis  62 , in other constructions an HDMP is located at other locations (e.g., locations that are along the same x-axis but are moved along the y-axis toward or away from the crown or top  26  and along the z-axis  62  toward or away from the club face or face or strike face or strike plate  36 , or locations that are along the same y-axis  58  but are moved along the x-axis  54  toward or away from the heel end  22  and along the z-axis  62  toward or away from the club face or face or strike face or strike plate  36 ). Additionally, in some constructions more than one HDMP is coupled to a golf club head and positioned as previously described. 
     Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents. 
     Clause 1. An investment casting part for a golf club head, the investment casting part comprising a high density metal piece at least partially embedded within a wax shell, the high density metal piece having a body with at least two protrusions that extend from the body and away from the wax shell, the at least two protrusions extending along axes that are offset relative to one another. 
     Clause 2. The investment casting part of clause 1, wherein the axes are parallel to one another. 
     Clause 3. The investment casting part of clause 1, wherein the at least two protrusions are each cylindrical. 
     Clause 4. The investment casting part of clause 1, wherein the high density metal piece includes a base portion and a flange extending from the base portion, wherein the base portion includes a first surface and the flange includes a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, wherein the at least two protrusions each extend from the first surface. 
     Clause 5. The investment casting part of clause 4, wherein the flange extends entirely around a perimeter of the high density metal piece. 
     Clause 6. The investment casting part of clause 4, wherein the flange extends between 0.005 inch and 2.0 inches away from the base portion. 
     Clause 7. The investment casting part of clause 1, further comprising a ceramic shell disposed over at least a portion of the wax shell, wherein the at least two protrusions are disposed at least partially within the ceramic shell. 
     Clause 8. An investment casting part for a golf club head, the investment casting part comprising a high density metal piece including a body having a surface, a first protrusion extending from the surface, and a second protrusion extending from the surface offset from the first protrusion; and a wax encasement, wherein the wax encasement surrounds the body, further wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion each extend away from the wax encasement. 
     Clause 9. The investment casting part of clause 8, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are cylindrical. 
     Clause 10. The investment casting part of clause 8, wherein the body includes a base portion and a flange extending from the base portion, wherein the base portion includes a first surface and the flange includes a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion each extend from the first surface. 
     Clause 11. The investment casting part of clause 10, wherein the flange extends entirely around a perimeter of the high density metal piece. 
     Clause 12. The investment casting part of clause 10, wherein the flange extends between 0.005 inch and 2.0 inches away from the base portion. 
     Clause 13. The investment casting part of clause 8, further comprising a ceramic shell disposed over at least a portion of the wax encasement, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are each disposed at least partially within the ceramic shell. 
     Clause 14. An investment casting part for a golf club head, the head being that of a metal wood, the investment casting part comprising a high density metal piece including a body having a surface and a cylindrical or non-cylindrical protrusion extending from the surface, the protrusion including a notch formed therein; and a wax encasement with an outer surface, wherein the wax encasement at least partially surrounds the body, further wherein the notch is free from contact with the wax encasement. 
     Clause 15. The investment casting part of clause 14, wherein the protrusion is a non-cylindrical protrusion having a first end at the surface and a second end disposed opposite the first end and distal the surface, and wherein the notch is disposed between the first end and the second end. 
     Clause 16. The investment casting part of clause 14, wherein the protrusion is a cylindrical protrusion having a first end at the surface and a second end disposed opposite the first end and distal the surface, and wherein the notch is disposed at the second end. 
     Clause 17. The investment casting part of clause 14, wherein the protrusion has a triangular-shaped cross-section. 
     Clause 18. The investment casting part of clause 14, further comprising a ceramic shell disposed on the wax encasement, wherein the protrusion is disposed within the ceramic shell. 
     Clause 19. A golf club head comprising: 
     a golf club head body having a sole, a striking face, a crown, a heel end, and a toe end; 
     a high density metal piece coupled to the golf club head body, wherein a gap is disposed between an exterior surface of the high density metal piece and an exterior surface of the golf club head body, wherein a filler material is disposed within the gap. 
     Clause 20. The golf club head of clause 19, wherein the gap extends entirely around the high density metal piece. 
     Clause 21. The golf club head of clause 19, wherein the high density metal piece includes a base portion and a flange extending from the base portion, wherein the base portion is exposed along an exterior of the golf club head, and wherein the gap is disposed between the base portion and the golf club head body. 
     Clause 22. The golf club head of clause 21, wherein the gap is between 0.01 inch and 1 inch wide in a gap width direction that extends generally inwardly toward a center of the golf club head. 
     Clause 23. The golf club head of clause 22, wherein the gap is between 0.01 inch and 1 inch deep in a gap depth direction that extends generally tangential to an outer contour of the golf club head, and perpendicular to the gap width direction. 
     Clause 24. The golf club head of clause 19, wherein the filler material is selected from a group consisting of paint, epoxy, rubber, and silicon. 
     Clause 25. The golf club head of clause 19, wherein the golf club head body is made of a material selected from a group consisting of a stainless steel alloy, an aluminum alloy, a titanium alloy, a polymer plastic, a thermoplastic, and a thermoset. 
     Clause 26. The golf club head of clause 25, wherein the golf club head body is made of a material selected from a group consisting of 17-4 PH stainless steel, NITRONIC™ 50 austenitic stainless steel, maraging steel, Ti-9S, and Ti-6-4. 
     Clause 27. The golf club head of clause 19, wherein the high density metal piece is made of a material selected from a group consisting of tungsten, tantalum, rhenium, osmium, iridium, and platinum. 
     Clause 28. A method of manufacturing a golf club head comprising forming a high density metal piece, the high density metal piece having at least one protrusion, positioning the high density metal piece in a wax injection mold, injecting wax into the wax injection mold, such that a portion of the at least one protrusion is not embedded within the wax, coating the wax with ceramic, such that the portion of the at least one protrusion is disposed within the ceramic, melting the wax to form a hollow region between the ceramic and the high density metal piece, pouring metal into the hollow region; and removing the ceramic; wherein after the ceramic is removed, a gap is disposed between an exterior surface of the high density metal piece and an exterior surface of the body; and inserting a filler material into the gap. 
     Clause 29. The method of clause 28, further comprising removing the at least one protrusion by at least one of grinding, laser removal, machining, and electrical discharge machining (EDM). 
     Clause 30. The method of clause 29, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a notch, and wherein the step of coating the wax with ceramic includes filling the notch with ceramic material. 
     Clause 31. The method of clause 30, wherein the high density metal piece does not translate or rotate relative to the ceramic during the step of pouring the metal. 
     Clause 32. A partially assembled golf club head comprising a body having a sole, a striking face, a crown, a heel end, and a toe end; and a high density metal piece coupled to the body, wherein a gap is disposed between an exterior surface of the high density metal piece and an exterior surface of the body, wherein the high density metal piece includes two protrusions extending away from the golf club head. 
     Clause 33. A method of manufacturing a golf club head comprising: forming a high density metal piece; placing the high density metal piece in a wax injection mold; positioning a tool in abutment with the high density metal piece, the tool including a lip that receives at least a portion of the high density metal piece; injecting wax into the wax injection mold to at least partially embed portions of the high density metal piece within the wax, wherein the portion of the high density metal piece received by the lip is exposed outside of the wax; removing the tool from the wax injection mold, such that a gap is formed between the portion of the high density metal piece that was received by the lip and the wax; coating the wax and at least one portion of the high density metal piece with a ceramic material forming a ceramic shell, wherein the gap is occupied by the ceramic material; melting the wax to form a hollow region between the ceramic shell and the high density metal piece, wherein the high density metal piece is held rigidly in place via the ceramic filled gap; pouring metal into the hollow region, the metal forming a body of the golf club head and at least partially surrounding the high density metal piece wherein the ceramic filled gap prevents the high density metal piece from translating along or in an x or y-axis and from rotating about a z-axis; and removing the ceramic, such that the high density metal piece and a portion of the body of the golf club head form a gap. 
     Clause 34. The method of clause 33, further comprising the step of filling the gap with a filler material after removing the ceramic. 
     Clause 35. The method of clause 33, wherein the filler material is at least one of a paint, epoxy, rubber, and silicone. 
     Clause 36. The method of clause 33, wherein the gap has a depth between 0.01 inches and 1 inches. 
     Clause 37. The method of clause 33, wherein the gap has a width between 0.01 inches and 1 inches. 
     Clause 38. The method of clause 33, wherein the high density metal piece that abuts the tool comprises a first surface exposed to the exterior of the club head, and wherein the first surface includes at least one protrusion extending outward from the golf club head. 
     Clause 39. The method of clause 38, further comprising the step of removing the at least one protrusion by at least one method selecting from the group consisting of grinding, laser removal, machining, and electrical discharge machining after the removal of the ceramic. 
     Clause 40. The method of clause 38, wherein the first surface comprises two protrusions extending outward from the golf club head, and wherein the protrusions include a cross section which is symmetrical or non-symmetrical 
     Clause 41. The method of clause 33, wherein the high density metal piece comprises a first surface exposed to the exterior of the club head and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the second surface comprises at least one protrusion. 
     Clause 42. A golf club head comprising: a club head body; and a high density metal piece integrally embedded in the club head body, the high density metal piece comprising a base portion having a first surface exposed to the exterior of the club head body, wherein an exterior surface of the club head body and the first surface of the high density metal piece form a gap disposed between them, the gap extending towards an interior of the club head body exposing a perimeter of the base portion, wherein oxidation and discoloration caused during the manufacturing process are not visible on the exposed first surface. 
     Clause 43. The golf club head of clause 42, wherein the gap is filled with a filler material. 
     Clause 44. The golf club head of clause 43, wherein the filler material is at least one of a paint, epoxy, rubber, and silicone. 
     Clause 45. The golf club head of clause 44, wherein the high density metal piece comprises a second surface opposite the first surface, and wherein the second surface comprises at least one protrusion extending towards the interior of the golf club head. 
     Clause 46. The golf club head of clause 45, wherein the second surface comprises two protrusions extending along axes that are parallel to one and other. 
     Clause 47. The golf club head of clause 45, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a notch. 
     Clause 48. The golf club head of clause 42, wherein the high density metal piece comprises a top portion positioned towards the interior of the club head, and wherein a flange extends from the top portion of the high density metal piece. 
     Clause 49. The golf club head of clause 42, wherein the gap has a depth between 0.01 inches and 1 inches. 
     Clause 50. The golf club of clause 42, wherein the gap has a width between 0.01 inches and 1 inches. 
     Clause 51. A wax injection mold for a golf club head, the wax injection mold comprising: a removable tool having a plate with a lip defining a recess, wherein the tool is configured to abut a high density metal piece such that the lip receives at least a portion of the high density metal piece to form a gap upon removal of the tool between the portion of the high density metal piece and a wax previously injected into the mold. 
     Clause 52. The wax injection mold of clause 51 wherein the lip has a height between 0.01 inches and 1 inches and a width between 0.01 inches and 1 inches. 
     Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.