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| FAQ'S > Buying Die Casting |
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Generally, you should consider die castings whenever you require or desire:
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| A high volume production run. |
| A low volume production run where the amortized cost of tooling is economic. |
| Accuracy. |
| Excellent dimensional stability. |
| A long service lift. |
| Contours and complex design features |
| Close tolerances. |
| High strength. |
| Textures, finishes, surface patterns. |
| Eye appeal, harmonizing with mating parts. |
| Inserts of other metals or non-metals. |
| Integral fastening elements – rivets, bosses, studs. |
| External or internal threads. |
| External undercuts or projections on sidewalls. |
Blind holes or design variations from interchangeable cores.
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| Parts must withstand continuous temperatures between 300° and 600°F. |
| Electrical or thermal conductivity. |
| Heat dissipation. |
| Minimal secondary operations – machining and assembly. |
| Several parts cast as a single component. |
| Weight reduction. |
| High strength-to-weight ration. |
| High corrosion resistance |
| Machinability. |
| Lower unit cost. |
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| Here are some general purchasing guidelines: |
Sketch a preliminary drawing of the component and the assembly it's used on.
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Call us. We may be able to make suggestions for producing the part at a lower cost with maximum utilization of the die casting process.
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| Show us the proposed product and method of assembly. We can suggest alloys, engineering and finishing die cast operations. It will be helpful to have your engineers present. |
| Ask us for a copy of the NADCA Product Standards. It includes prevailing industry practices, commercial, engineering, metallurgical and quality standards. See "FREE DESIGN CD". |
| Provide us with estimated weight and quantities to improve the accuracy of your quotations. Request that all companies quote using the same quantities and weight. This will give greater uniformity to the quotations. Actual weight differences can be adjusted later. |
Give us both anticipated annual and release requirements. This will help us choose the proper tooling and it will affect your quotation. It may be possible to add cavities at a later date.
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Include a sample part if one exists. Tell us if a prototype is desired.
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Inform us of the method your firm uses to evaluate tooling expenditures. It will be helpful in quoting if we know how your company will evaluate this project, i.e., whether tool cost or part cost is more significant.
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| Visit our plant. |
| Allow sufficient lead time for the preparation of your dies, trim dies or additional tooling required for your components. We will inform you of lead time requirements. |
| We can be a valuable member of your manufacturing team during the design and pre-production stages. This will be mutually advantageous. |
The die casting process may improve your components. And ultimately your end product. The die casting process can save you money over components you are now purchasing.
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| Buy die cast components. For greater reliability. And lower unit cost. |
| Die casting has become a seven billion dollar industry by replacing components produced in other materials or by other processes. Are you missing a good opportunity if you are not considering the die casting process for your manufacturing need? |
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