If you are planning for commercial metal fabrication, it is important to consider the die casting approach. This manufacturing process involves preparing a die cavity to match the desired metal part. Then, molten material is placed into the cavity, allowing for the formation of a custom product. This is a beneficial method because the parts formed have a high level of uniformity. It is also economic because the die can be used for a long while. In addition, die casting is a favourable high production method. Here are crucial guidelines for improving the final custom metal parts.
Reduce the Material Demand
When designing metal products for die casting, you should think about reducing the amount of material needed for each component. If the design has a high demand for metal, there will be a significant detrimental. The most obvious is the higher costs due to the expense of materials and even general handling during production. Also, if a product is made using a lot of metal, the manufacturing process and the cooling stage will be longer. In addition, the final component will be heavy. Therefore, it is always advisable to reduce metal use by designing thinner walls and minimising unnecessary features.
Think About Part Performance
It is essential to think about the final products and determine the best approach for improving performance. Proper design will reduce the risk of creating a poor quality component, which could fail prematurely. One of the common concerns is insufficient strength. This problem is of particular importance after the reduction of the thickness of the product. You can resolve this issue by including some ribs on your custom product to improve stability.
If you are uncertain about this incorporation, consult your fabricator for guidance. Another potential challenge is poor surface finishing. In general, parts produced through die casting have good finishes. However, if the walls are not uniform, air might be incorporated due to uneven metal flow. Therefore, you should design parts with consistent geometry and a suitable draft angle to avoid both performance and aesthetic issues after completion.
Plan for Post-Production
Finally, post-production machining must be taken into account. Die casting is advantageous over other fabrication methods because there is a reduced demand for secondary finishing. However, this does not mean it is completely unnecessary. It is advisable to discuss your needs with your fabricator to ensure the best results. For instance, if you would like to have branding, you can decide on incorporating the design into the die or manipulating the finished part.