Die casters employ a number of techniques to maximize tool and component design while reducing per-part costs.
What are the 3 main costs associated with die casting?
1.) Die Casting Production – depending on the part complexity, the die casting setup can be very labor intensive. The process also requires melting of the die casting alloy specified.
2.) Secondary Operations – any needed deburring, machining, sanding, or hand finishing to achieve the specified part finish.
3.) Finishing – any desired painting, plating, silk screening, or engraving.
When designing and engineering a new component you need to think beyond simple metal forming and think of die casting as the total manufacturing process. Shifting thinking along those lines can drastically reduce production costs as parts are then designed to eliminate waste as well as some secondary operations.
The largest part of the total cost to die cast something is the cost of the labor involved. The actual die casting process is one of the most efficient methods to go from raw material to finished/near finished part shape, while giving the designer the opportunity to include many features into the part that may be impractical or too expensive with other manufacturing methods.
Die casting can be incredibly cost effective because one part can be designed to replace multiple components. It is also possible to incorporate other features into the casting that eliminate secondary milling, boring, reaming, and grinding operations. One die-cast part can also eliminate assemblies that incorporate swaging, riveting, screw machining, stamping, press fitting, and welding.
What other factors affect die cast costs?
•Component complexity
•Alloy
•Part tolerances specified
•Part finishing specified
How can costs be reduced further?
Die casting does not have to be expensive. A thorough design for manufacturability (DFM) review is critical. Getting the die caster involved early in the process can greatly reduce part costs down the road. Depending on part complexity, this review may include a digital fluid flow analysis to help ensure the desired part shape is optimized for the die casting process.
On top of that, additional savings come from material reduction, improved tolerances, and good part-to-part consistency.
Much like any other engineering process or build, proper planning before production will drastically reduce your costs while speeding up the actual production time.
Need assistance or want to get started on your next die cast project?
Contact A&B Die Casting today!