Aluminum die casting refers to aluminum alloys that are formed into a die by injection molding, plating, or depositing molten metal. A die is the full cavity of the part to be produced through a single process run. Aluminum die casting can be used in many different ways; for example, this technique has been used for high-pressure flow sensors, medical implants, and aerospace components. Aluminum die casting can be also used in prototype development as it is affordable and its properties make it suitable for many types of prototyping processes.
Benefits
- High strength-to-weight ratio
Aluminum die casting parts still show a high strength-to-weight ratio even at a small size. This is because of the material’s ability to form intricate shapes without compromising its strength properties. It reduces the amount of labor involved in producing prototypes at a much lower cost than injection molding and other alternative processes.
- Simple tooling required
Low volume production of aluminum die castings do not require complex tooling as compared to other casting processes. Moreover, fewer dies are needed for the same number of parts as opposed to mold rubber as issues arise when it is released from the mold. Automotive aluminum die casting also prevents warping and distortion, thus making it ideal for prototyping purposes.
- Low density
Die casting does not require large amounts of raw materials and it uses about 60% less aluminum than an investment casting process for the same part. The low density of the die-casted components makes them easy to handle and saves costs on transportation and storage space.
- Fast cycle times
Aluminum die casting involves a relatively short cycle time and is one of the fastest of all casting processes. Cycle times on aluminum die castings are as low as 20 minutes at times. This makes the process ideal for prototyping purposes as it saves time and reduces costs.
- Low rejections and defects
With fewer process steps involved in the aluminum die casting, fewer rejections are expected compared to other metal forming techniques such as extrusion, rolling, or forging. The process also minimizes defects such as distorted parts and cracks and allows for high production rates. Automotive aluminum die casting is a good choice for the mass production of parts with complex shapes and sizes.
- Low tooling costs
Tooling costs are modest for aluminum die casting as it involves fewer dies. The process also requires less labor in lowering the cost of the whole project. This makes it a feasible process for those involved in short-run production.
- Easily recycled
There are no complicated processes involved in aluminum die casting and therefore it is easily recycled in the recycling process. It can be melted down at a temperature of, thus allowing it to be used again in the same industry.
- Transparent products
Aluminum die casting allows for transparent products as it does not involve complex processes such as investment casting or sand casting. It is also suitable for the medical industry when it comes to the production of medical implants, and antique and jewelry pieces due to its low density.
Eko industries have proved to be efficient and effective at producing aluminum die casting in-house, making it a highly preferred process for those involved in short-run productions. Eko industries are well known for their high-quality castings and competitive prices. Their services are highly recommended as they offer a wide range of services that are geared towards satisfying your specific needs.