If you’re going to do a job, do it properly.

A sentiment most businesses would stand by – which is why finishing is a vital stage in the die casting process.

Want to understand more about casting finishing, what it offers and why it could play a vital part in the success of your end product? Then keep reading…

What is casting finishing?

The clue is in the name – casting finishing is the final step in the die casting process.

Not all parts require finishing, but for many, it is a way of fine-tuning the quality, as the process can not only improve durability but also enhance appearance.

By putting parts through a final ‘finishing’ stage, it helps to ensure that the end product is fully compatible with the desired requirements – both in terms of looks and functionality.

Why use casting finishing?

If you’re unsure if casting finishing is really needed, ask yourself a few key questions, such as:

Does the part need to look attractive?

Perhaps a uniform, flawless appearance is required, or the aluminium needs to look polished and shiny or the part is required to be a specific colour? Finishing can assist with any of these requirements.

Would enhanced corrosion protection be an advantage?

Finishing can dramatically increase resistance to corrosion, protecting the surface of parts and reducing the risk of deterioration.

Is increased durability needed?

The finishing process can considerably enhance the resilience of parts – improving their capabilities and prolonging their lifespan.

If the answer to any of these questions is, yes, then it’s worth considering adding finishing to the end of your diecasting process.

Get in touch to discuss your requirements with the team now.

Different finishing techniques

When it comes to finishing there are a number of different specialist methods used, these include:

Powder coating and painting

In much the same way as you paint a wooden fence to protect it, painting die cast components will add an extra layer of protection. A favourite paint finish is powder coating – this is sprayed onto parts. Other methods include nylon coating and wet spray coating.

Anodising

Here a non-conductive coating is used to seal the part. This is a cost-effective finishing method and helps to increase each part’s durability and resistance to corrosion.

Trimming

Trimming helps to tidy up the look of each part by removing flash – webs of metal that can form, particularly around vents or moving parts.

Deburring

This is the process of eradicating any small imperfections – referred to as burrs – from the surfaces of the aluminium.

Shot blasting

This method works by ‘shooting’ ball bearings at high speed against the surface of the cast. It may sound aggressive, but it’s actually highly effective for smoothing out surfaces and creating a uniform appearance, whilst also ensuring any contaminants are removed.

How do you pick the right surface finish?

The above list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to finishing as there are a vast number of methods – so how do you know which one to choose?

Things that can impact your decision are metal hardness, speed and deadline requirements (some methods will take more time than others), the driving force for finishing e.g. to make a part more attractive or to enhance durability, and finally, your budget.

Whilst finishing will enhance a component – and usually prove to be more cost-effective in the long run – it is an additional step in the manufacturing process and as such will increase production costs.

Talk to the casting finishing experts

The best way to ensure you select a finishing method that meets your design needs, budget and deadline is to speak with an expert.

And that’s where we come in.

Here at Lupton and Place, we believe in offering a fully comprehensive service. For more than a century, we’ve been at the cutting edge of die casting and, as part of this, we are thrilled to also provide a comprehensive range of finishing services.

To find out more about our finishing procedures here at Lupton and Place, why not get in touch?

Our knowledgeable team will discuss your project in detail and assist in identifying, firstly if finishing is necessary, and, if so, what method will be most advantageous.

Call the team now on 01282 422361 or fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you soon.