Having trouble deciding what casting process is most suitable for your needs? This guide will help you uncover the best casting or molding process for your application.
Note: The below information is meant to be a basic guideline for comparison purposes only. For more information or a competitive quote, please call 732-634-3000 or contact us now.
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Process | Aluminum Die Casting | Sand Casting | V-Casting | Investment Casting | Graphite Permanent Mold | Steel Die Permanent Mold | Plaster Mold |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Size Range | Ounces to 50 lbs | Ounces to Tons | Up to 150 lbs | Up to 250 lbs | Up to 6 lbs | Up to 100 lbs | Ounces to 50 lbs |
Tolerances | +/-.002″ to 1″ |
+/- 1/32″ to 6″ |
+/- .010″ to 1″ |
+/- .005″ to 1″ |
+/- .005″ to 1″ |
+/-.015″ to 1″ |
+/-.005″ to 2″ |
Tolerances inches/inch thereafter | +/-.002″ | +/- .003″ | +/-.002″ | +/-.005″ | +/-.002″ | +/-.002″ | +/-.001″ |
Parting Line Shift | +/-.005″ up to 10 sqin |
+/-.020″ to .060″ |
+/-.020″ | N/A | +/-.005″ | +/-.010″ to .030″ |
+/-.010″ |
Min. Section Thickness (premium) | .060″ | .110″ | .090″ |
.050″ |
.090″ |
.125″ | .060″ |
Min. Section Thickness (average) | .110″ | .110″ | .125″ | .080″ | .120″ | .187″ | .080″ |
Min. Draft Required | 0.5 to 3 degrees | 2 to 5 degrees | Zero | Zero | 1 to 3 degrees | 2 to 4 degrees | 1 to 3 degrees |
Surface Finish (RMS) | 32 to 125 | 250 to 500 | 125 to 150 | 60 to 90 | 63 to 90 | 150 to 300 | 63 to 125 |
Average Tooling cost | $5K to $120K, based on part design | $1K to $5K | $3K to $6K | $2K to $9K | $3K to $8K | $5K to $20K | $3K to $9K |
Average Tooling Lead Time (in weeks) | 6 to 14 | 2 to 6 | 2 to 4 | 6 to 8 | 2 to 4 | 8 to 20 | 2 to 6 |
Typical Order Quantity | 5,000+ typical, minimum runs: 500 | All | All | All | All | 500+ | 1 to 250 |
Metals | Aluminum Zinc Magnesium |
Most All Castable Alloys | Aluminum |
All Castable Alloys | Aluminum |
Aluminum Bronze Iron Lead |
Aluminum |