Precision Casting- the Most Effective Process for Mass Production

Posted by arun on October 28th, 2014

Metals have always been used in abundance for the different manufacturing processes. Almost every industry makes use of metals for production. The machines, spare parts, automobiles, electronic goods, and a lot of other goods make use of metals. Metals usually undergo the casting process to shape it into the given requirements and put into use. Precision casting is most commonly used for the purpose. It is actually the first process that was used by man to create intricate artifacts and metal parts. It is commonly used in the aerospace industry for component production, and also plays a major part in technology development.

Among the different kinds of precision casting processes available, die casting is found to be most effective. The advantages it has got over the other processes and the ease of production make it preferred among most industries.

A precision die cast is said to have the following benefits:

• A number of finishing techniques

The casts created can be of a smooth and textured surface, and can be easily plated and finished. The surface preparation required is very little.

• Weight

The castings made with the process are lighter than those made with other processes.

• Strength

The die casts are said to be stronger than the moldings of same dimensions made from plastic injection techniques. They have thinner walls and are much stronger than all other casting processes. These die castings do not have any separate parts that are fastened or welded. So, the strength they have is of the alloy, and not the joining process.

• Assembly is simpler

Bosses, studs, and other integral fastening elements are provided by the die castings. It is possible to core holes and tap them to drill sizes. External threads can also be cast.

• Accuracy

Close tolerances can be maintained for all the precision die cast elements. They maintain high rates of accuracy.

• Stable

Stability is a very important factor of die cast products. They are dimensionally stable and highly durable. They are even known to be heat resistant.

• High production rate

Complex shapes with really close tolerances can be provided by the die casting method. The tolerance achieved is higher than all other mass production processes. You require very little or no machining at all. Before any additional is required, thousands of identical castings can be produced.

Different kinds of elements and alloys can be used to produce parts using the precision die casting process. Commonly used ones are zinc, aluminum and magnesium. As compared to all other processes, you get highly accurate and good quality metal parts from this process. That is the reason why most industries prefer to use this process over all the other processes available for mass production.