Besides investment casting, gravity die casting is also one of the casting methods that available in CFS Foundry. Our gravity die casting process is mainly used to produce aluminum components for industrial applications. Gravity die casting has a limitation on the metals poured, not all the metals could be made by this type of casting method, only light metals such as aluminum alloys, zinc alloys or magnesium alloys could be selected.
Different from pressure die casting (refer to gravity vs. pressure die casting), gravity die casting involves a simple pouring of the molten metal into the mould by gravity like its name “Gravity” die casting.
Main steps of gravity die casting are as follows:
- After confirming the design, precision machine a pair of dies whose cavity are the same shape as the desired part.
- Once the dies are prepared, melting the metal ingots to liquid status, then manually poured into the die, (although in some cases machine can be used) and allowed to solidify.
- The die is then opened and the cast parts either removed by hand or in some cases ejector pins are used on the mechanised machines.
- Finally, the scrap, which includes the gate, runners, sprues and flash, is removed from the casting(s). The castings are then processed to remove sharp edges and excess material, then blast cleaned or machining (if necessary) prior to despatch to the customer.
When to Use Gravity Die Casting?
Before deciding a suitable casting process, you should understand the suitable metals of each casting process. For example, investment casting is mainly suited to produce alloy steel or stainless steel parts, sand casting is mainly used to make iron parts, while gravity or pressure die casting is more suitable for aluminum and zinc parts.
Next, have a detailed look at the drawing requirement including surface finish, tolerances on critical dimensions, mechanical properties, further production-related factors include production rate, lead time, and process flexibility, as well as overall commercial considerations.
If you are difficult to select between gravity die casting and remember die casting, just keep in mind gravity die casting is better suited to shorter production rates, and also has a lower initial tooling cost than pressure die casting.
Note: Gravity die casting can not make metal parts metals with higher melting points. Aluminum castings produced by gravity die casting, although heavier than those produced by pressure die casting, are thinner than the less precise sand casting method.
What is Gravity Die Casting Used For?
Gravity die casting is able to manufacture parts from non-ferrous materials such as aluminium or low-temperature alloys. The process is used to create intricate components for a wide range of industrial applications include:
- Exhaust mainfold
- Cylinder heads
- Pipe fittings
- Engine connecting rods
- Pistons
- Gear and die blanks
- Kitchen Hardwares
- Gear blanks
- Gear housings
If you have an complex shaped aluminum components with small or medium order volume, just use our aluminum gravity die casting service!
Related Articles:
