METAL CASTING SERVICE
We offer Metal Casting Service to current CIADC Members. Members can take advantage of the casting process without having to learn!
What are the benefits of Metal Casting?
Recreating objects in durable metal. Ease of creating detailed objects. Creating multiples of the same object.
What type of metal do you cast?
We cast aluminum alloy A356.2 and silicon bronze alloy C873.
What mold making processes do you offer?
We offer green sand, resin-bonded sand, and lost-wax investment mold making. Typically, the object design and size will dictate the most appropriate mold making process.
How are Metal Casting Service costs determined?
Simply put, Time and Material.
Time. The typical steps required to cast metal objects are listed below. Sometimes, steps are repeated to achieve the final object. We charge based on time spent with each step. We are happy to provide turn-key service for some/all these steps:
Pattern Making/Modelling. With the typical casting process, you start with a “positive” 3D version of the object you wish to have cast. This positive is called the pattern or model, and can be ready-made, found, or created in most any material. Because the cast metal object will take on the exact size, shape, detail, and texture of the original, we ask you to supply the pattern or model. Look to CIADC’s CNC Fabrication Service for assistance with creating a pattern or model from a digital design.
Wax Work. With the lost-wax investment mold process, the model must ultimately be created in wax then sprued and vented prior to mold making. This step is not needed with the sand mold casting process.
Mold Making. The mold houses the hollow cavity where the cast material is poured. The mold is constructed around the pattern/model. When the pattern/model is removed from the mold, it leaves the “negative” mold cavity.
Metal Casting. We melt metal and pour it into the mold cavity which solidifies and forms your object. We do not charge for casting time per se, but do charge a Metal Casting overhead fee based on quantity of your molds.
Demolding, Chasing, Welding, and Finishing. As-cast metal is far from finished. Mold material needs to be cleaned from the object. Sprues, gates, runners, and vents need to be removed. The surface needs to be abrasively cleaned. Cast components may need to be joined together. Surface color and/or protection may be desired.
Material. Materials and supplies involved in the above steps are additional, and can be purchased through CIADC. Any materials supplied must be approved as safe and effective for the casting process; please contact us for more information.
How do I get started and receive a quote?
Join as a CIADC Member
Fill out the request form below and we will be in touch within 7 business days
Metal Casting Service Request Form
To request a quotation, please fill out and submit the form below. We will contact you within 7 business days.
Note: We can only provide quotations to current CIADC Members.
