How to choose suitable process for die casting, sand casting and investment casting?           

After customers decide to use casting technology to produce products, they often hesitate to choose between the three similar processes of sand mold casting and investment casting. Here we introduce these three processes, hoping to help you.

Die Casting vs. Sand Casting

Ø The precision of parts by die casting is higher than that of sand casting, and the thickness of the wall is thin.

Ø The cost of press casting dies are higher as compared to sand casting pattern.

Ø Part size in case of sand casting can be very large as compared to die casting.

Ø Finishing on the die casted part is better as compared to sand casted parts.

Ø Sand pattern has Riser provision for the ensuring of complete filling of Pattern, whereas in case of die casting the molten metal is injected under pressure, approximately 30 % of excess material is injected for ensuring complete filling of the cavity.

Ø Sand casting is the oldest process of casting metal parts in sand pattern. The basic parts in sand casting are COPE & DRAG whereas Die casting is the advanced method of producing castings in this case the basic parts are Core & cavity & the gap between these two forms impression or required component.

Ø Sand patterns are mostly expendable type, the mold need to be broken as the casted part to be take out. Whereas, the press casting dies are used for mass production, they are made of tool steels and are used repetitively.

Die Casting vs. Investment Casting

Ø Die casting and investment casting are two common and very similar processes, all suitable for precision casting.

Ø If you’re looking for a way to manufacture a lot of the same part quickly and with good consistency among parts at a good price, die casting is the way to go.

Ø If you have a smaller product, with fewer but more complex and intricate parts, and you don’t mind paying a little more for a higher level of precision, investment casting may be your preferred method.

Ø If you want zero draft angles on the metal part, then you should definitely go for investment casting. This is because you will not be able to create zero draft angles on the part with die casting.

Ø Depending upon your manufacturing requirements, you may opt the die casting for the majority of your batch jobs, and investment casting for specialized work.