It is estimated that the market for die-cast and machined high-precision aluminum parts and finished products will keep growing. More manufacturers and engineering firms are increasingly outsourcing to maximize production efficiency and the quality of their products.
In this article we explore aluminum die casting services in detail with a focus on what kind of services are offered, the advantages of outsourcing, and more.
Dedicated Aluminum Die Casting
This modern manufacturing method involves the injection of molten aluminum into a pre-shaped shaped die or mold. In most aluminum die casting setups, you will find specialized equipment which may include industrial furnaces, custom molds and die casting machines.
Because aluminum die casting is normally an auxiliary capital-intensive process, manufacturers tend to look for these services elsewhere through outsourcing. For instance, car manufacturers can have some of their auxiliary aluminum components produced elsewhere to save on costs. Outsourcing helps them cut costs, improve quality and increase production efficiency.
A dedicated aluminum die casting company should have the capacity to handle every aspect of producing high-quality aluminum products from start to finish. In a typical B2B aluminum die casting project, the client (you) can work with an expert or team of experts from the company to design and prototype die-cast aluminum parts before they are produced.
Outsourced die casting almost guarantees increased efficiency and cost savings if the right service provider is chosen. If you are a medium or large manufacturer, you get to focus on building the core parts of your products and optimizing production processes. It will not only guarantee that you get your aluminum parts rolling into your production line but you reduce costs.
Small manufacturers, engineering startups, and inventors can also have their aluminum products made. Doing this helps them avoid some of the restrictive overheads associated with aluminum die casting and prototyping. Looking at this way, startups have more to gain from offshore aluminum die casting services than any other industry player.
There is practically no limit to the types or range of die-cast aluminum products that can be produced by a dedicated die casting service provider. For example, a small car manufacturing plant can get the following aluminum parts from a third-party die casting company:
- Chassis parts for vehicles
- Engine fittings
- Aluminum powertrain parts
- Engine cylinder heads
- Aluminum transmission housings
- Engine blocks, etc.
Aluminum Related Value Addition Services
A die casting company may also have laser engraving and related setups. Doing this enables them to provide all aluminum-related services under a single facility for manufacturing clients. For instance, you can have the company not only produce finished aluminum parts but also handle some parts of the assembly process where multiple parts are involved.
Some of the most common related services that may be offered alongside die casting include:
Prototyping :
You can hire a third party to produce aluminum prototypes as part of your product design process. Manufacturing startups, inventors, and small businesses can benefit from this kind of arrangement mainly due to the high cost of die casting equipment.
CNC Machining:
Aluminum CNC machining is more or less part of the aluminum value chain. The company will not only handle the machining part but may avail the expertise to design, draw, and essentially play an active role in your research and development processes.
Finishing:
After your aluminum parts have been produced, you may likely want them prepared or finished for the market or to fit into your assembled products. These companies also offer finishing services which may include anodizing, painting, packaging, etc.
As a startup or inventor, you may not be aware of or appreciate the need for aluminum die casting in your production or assembly processes. Perhaps you are currently utilizing other methods such as machining, rolling, stamping, forging, or sintering in your plant. There are many applications for this process, especially in the production of aluminum parts, such as:
Electronics Components
For intricated electronics parts, die casting is easily the most preferred method. It provides the accuracy, precision, and detail needed for such intricate parts. For instance, you can use die casting to produce computer parts such as cases, housings, and mounting components for the internals.
Aerospace Parts Production
Aircraft engine components, structural parts, and aircraft electronic parts can be produced too. Aluminum is a lightweight and strong metal, which makes it ideal for aerospace parts manufacturing, and die casting is easily the best production method.
Consumer Goods Production
This process can also be used to produce normal consumer goods like aluminum cookware, toys, power tools, engineering devices, and practically anything made of aluminum that requires precise molding, strength, and durability.
Implementing Quality Control with Aluminum Die Casting Services
One thing you need to think about if you will be outsourcing the production of die-cast aluminum parts to a third party is quality control. How do you implement quality control when you are not directly involved in the actual production of the molds and the end product?
Different approaches to this have been proven to work in the past, among them:
Raw Materials Inspection – Ensure the die casting service provider is using the correct aluminum alloys based on your specifications and needs. You can do this by first inspecting the chosen alloys before production or working with the die casting company to source for raw materials of your choosing.
Routine Inspections – Some manufacturers choose to maintain close contact with the die casting manufacturer to do routine in-process inspections. This may involve inspecting the various stages of the die casting process to ensure your quality standards are being met. You can do this for the early orders before you let the die casting company move ahead with bulk production.
Outsourcing aluminum die casting is a great way to cut the overheads associated with parts production if die casting is not part of your core business as you don’t have to pay for and maintain the expensive equipment. For small players, outsourcing lifts the R&D barrier so they can compete through innovation.