Die and investment casting for parts where CNC machining alone isn't the economical answer at volume.
| Processes | Die casting, investment casting |
| Typical lead time | 3-4 weeks |
| Materials | Aluminum, zinc, steel alloys |
| Best for | Complex geometry at production volume |
| Max part size | Custom envelope sizes available — send your dimensions with your RFQ and we'll confirm fit. |
Machining removes material from a solid block, so cost scales with the volume of metal cut away. Casting forms the shape in a mould instead, which is why it becomes the economical route once a part is geometrically complex and the quantity is high enough to amortise the tooling. It is not a replacement for machining: cast parts are normally machined afterwards on the faces that have to hold tolerance.
Tooling is the fixed cost in casting, so the tooling decision follows the programme rather than the other way round. At prototype stage the usual route is a cast or machined substitute that proves geometry and fit without committing to production tooling. Bridge tooling covers a pilot build where the design is close to frozen. Production tooling is justified once the geometry is fixed and the annual volume is known, because a design change after the tool is cut is a tool modification rather than a drawing revision.
Send the drawing through the RFQ form and an engineer will confirm the process route, the tooling approach and the machining scope in writing before anything is quoted.
Upload your CAD file, materials, and target quantity — we'll come back with a manufacturability review and a quote. Our engineers review every request personally.