Castings
Casting – the process of pouring or injecting molten into a mold -- can help you sculpt metal into just about any shape. At Compass & Anvil, we can help you find a manufacturing partner who can offer the right casting services for your application.
Casting as a method of shaping metal offers several distinct advantages. For instance, casting molds can be very detailed, yielding parts that meet exacting specifications. Additionally, casting can allow for a very high production rate and requires little secondary machining.
Types of Casting
There are several methods for molding metal through casting. The method you choose depends on the volume, complexity and cost goals of your project. Compass & Anvil can help you accelerate your production process by connecting you with a manufacturer who provides the type of casting that best suits your project.
Die Casting
Die casting is a four-step manufacturing process that turns molten metal into custom parts. We will help you find a manufacturing partner who can handle every step of the manufacturing process, from preparing the dies to final inspection. The ideal manufacturer will also offer a full complement of finishing services, including drilling holes, painting, polishing and buffing.
Investment Casting
Investment casting derives its name from the ceramic mold – or “investment” – that is used in the casting process. Investment casting is an ancient method for shaping metal. At Compass & Anvil, we source experienced manufacturers who handle the investment casting process from start to finish.
Permanent Mold Casting
Permanent mold casting manufacturers create custom, reusable graphite molds that are ideal for manufacturing high precision components. Because they can withstand indefinite use, graphite molds can produce castings with accuracy, again and again. Permanent Mold Casting is a highly cost-effective option. Most manufacturers use CNC machines to tool graphite molds.
Sand Casting
Sand casting is a low-cost option for metal forming. There are several types of sand casting, including green sand casting, skin-dried sand casting, dry sand casting and no-bake sand casting. Each of these options offers a different set of advantages. An experienced manufacturing partner can help you determine which of these processes best suits your needs.
On and Offshore Casting Services
If keeping costs low is a high priority for your project, we can help you find offshore casting manufacturers who can deliver high-quality parts for a fraction of the cost. Conversely, if a swift turnaround time and clear communication with the manufacturer is your number one priority, we can find a domestic manufacturer who offers custom casting services. Our network of both domestic and offshore manufacturers is broad-based, guaranteeing that we can help our customers find the right partners.
| Die Casting | Investment Casting | Permanent Mold Casting | Sand Casting | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Good | Good | Highest | Good |
| Design Complexity | Fair | Highest | Fair | Fair to Good |
| Size Limitation | Good | Fair | Good | Highest |
| Pressure Tightness | Fair | Good | Highest | Good |
| Reproducibility | Highest | Good | Good | Fair |
| Structural Density | Fair | Good | Highest | Good |
| Relative Cost | Low | Average | Low | Low |
| Rate of Production | Highest | Low | Good | Fair |
| Surface Finish | Highest | Highest | Good | Fair |
| Tooling Lead Time | Good | Good | Good | Highest |
| Tolerances | Highest | Highest | Good | Fair |
| Alloy Range | Fair | Good | Good | Highest |
| Mold Cost | Fair | Good | Good | Highest |
| Casting Weight Range | 1 oz. - 75 lb. | Less than 1 oz. - 25 lb. | 1 oz. - 100 lb. | Unlimited |
| Dimensional Tolerances | ±0.001"/±0.0015" | ±0.010"/±0.020" | ±0.010"/±0.050" | ±0.001"/±0.030" |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 1/32" | 1/16" | 1/8" | 1/10" |
| Draft Angle | 1°-5° | 1/4°-1/2° | 2°-4° | 1/4°-1/2° |
| Castable Alloys | Al-base is preferred | Most Ferrous/Non-Ferrous Metals | Al-base & Cu-base are preferred | Most Ferrous/Non-Ferrous Metals |
Contact Compass & Anvil
For more information about our services or for a quote, contact us today.