When it comes to die casting, we’re the first to champion its virtues. Why wouldn’t we, when it’s such a highly efficient manufacturing method?
However, as with all things, it’s not 100% perfect. There may be some instances when it’s not the right choice for your project.
At Lupton and Place, we believe in providing a clear and transparent service. Which means not only shouting about the benefits of die casting (of which there are many), but also highlighting the reasons why die casting may not always be the best fit.
Wondering if die casting might be the right solution for you? Read on to find out more.
Disadvantages of die casting
– Only non-ferrous metals
Strictly speaking, die casting with ferrous metals is possible, but it is less common.
The reason for this is largely due to the fact that casting ferrous metals (a material that contains iron and is commonly magnetic) is more complicated. There is also a much higher demand for die cast parts that have non-magnetic qualities – a key characteristic of non-ferrous metals.
– High initial investment
Over time, die casting is a highly efficient and cost-effective means of mass-producing parts. However, there’s no escaping the fact that the initial outlay (as casts are created and the process gets underway) can be sizable.
This need for early investment can deter smaller businesses and start-up companies.
– Susceptible to defects
Done well and carefully designed, die cast parts are famed for their intricate detail and accuracy – but this can go wrong.
Failure to cover all the initial stages thoroughly can lead to problems such as misruns, cold shuts, and issues with porosity. Just one of the many reasons why working with a reputable and experienced die casting company is important.
– Unsuitable for small projects
One of the biggest barriers around die casting for small scale projects is budget restrictions. Especially if you’re aiming to keep expenditure to a minimum.
Mass production is the name of the game for die casting – the more casts you produce, the greater the cost efficiencies and savings.
For this reason, some suppliers won’t offer their services to small enterprises. Either way, it’s important to always cost things out and assess how appropriate the method is for the scale of your project.
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Is die casting right for you?
You can’t escape the facts, but it is important to balance any downsides against the many advantages of aluminium die casting in order to make a fully informed decision. After all, there’s a reason die casting is such a well-used method of production.
Being party to all the information can give you a clear decision on the right route for your business. But things aren’t always clear-cut, so why not remove the guesswork and discuss the details of your project with the experts?
At Lupton and Place, we’ve worked on all manner of die casting projects across a huge variety of industries, and will be more than happy to discuss the pros and cons of die casting for your specific application to help you determine if it’s the right route for your business.
Make contact with the team today. Call us on 01282 422361, email info@lupton-place.co.uk, or fill in our contact form and we’ll be back in touch soon.