15Apr

Aluminum Die Casting – Surface Finish Guidelines

When a part is sent out for quoting to die casters there are some very important issues that need to be discussed and agreed upon between the purchaser and the die caster. One of these is the finish requirement that is needed for the end product that may or may not be included on the part print or separate finish specifications for the part being quoted.

The as-cast external surface finish classifications shown here illustrate variations in production practice. Surface finish requirements should be specified for production at the most economic level.


Read More
26Mar

Aluminum Die Casting – Metal Extension Guidelines

One of the most common discussions I have with prospective purchasers or designers has to do with the surface cosmetics and what the expectation is for the appearance of the gate inlets as finished. If the part is a highly cosmetic part then it is probable that the as cast/die trimmed gate will not be acceptable and will need to be sanded or removed for esthetics. The added operation will of course add cost so that must be addressed during the quote process so the customer knows what to expect long term.


Read More
11Mar

Aluminum Die Casting – Die Life Considerations

One of the items that needs to be addressed by any purchaser of aluminum die castings is die maintenance, repair, and replacement. This may not be an issue with low volume projects that last a few years since the number of parts produced will be lower than the die life but, there may be some replacement die components that will need to be dealt with during the product life.


Read More
26Feb

Aluminum VS. Aluminium: The Etymology of the “um” and “ium” Debate

The soft, silvery white chemical element in the boron group with an atomic number 13 and the symbol AI has long been the cause of a word feud between the North American Countries (America and Canada) and most of the rest of the world. So, how did this aluminum or aluminium clash start? Looking back on the etymology of this word gives a clear explanation to how this spelling difference got set into place.


Read More