Various embodiments include methods and related systems for laser-assisted casting. Some embodiments include a method including: performing laser ablation on a preliminary wax casting model to form a modified wax model including at least one additional feature absent from the preliminary wax casting model; coating the modified wax model to form a mold shape around the modified wax model; removing the modified wax model to leave a casting mold including the at least one additional feature; forming a shape from a casting material using the casting mold having the at least one additional feature; and scanning the modified wax model to image the at least one additional feature after the performing of the laser ablation.