An alloy of any metal can be produced to give the qualities of two or more different materials or to produce something with a very particular aesthetic quality. Steel, for example, is an alloy we use all the time.
It harbors the strength of the iron, whilst the carbon which is added means that it is less prone to rust and wear.
How to harness aluminium
Because Aluminium die casting parts is so strong and lightweight, it needs specialist Aluminium die casting machining in order to produce the components that you need for your product manufacturing process.
In order for the parts to be produced properly, aluminium machining involves the use of turned parts.
Aluminium die casting machining is a precise process that works by chipping away minuscule fragments of the metal, to make sure the shape you end up with is completely accurate, down to a tolerance of +/-0.005. That is to say, really, really accurate.
With a process like aluminium machining which relies so heavily on complete accuracy, the quality of the machines doing the work is absolutely paramount.
If the blades become worn they simply won’t be able to give the necessary results. While any tiny errors might be barely visible to the eye, it can cause problems further down the line when you try and fit the part in with other components.
It is important then, that the company you’re using for your aluminium machining keep up meticulously high standards.
Die casting or Aluminium Machining?
Whether you start out with a huge sheet of Aluminum die casting, Magnesium Die Casting or a smaller piece, the process allows a CNC controlled milling machine to efficiently provide an alternative to the less accurate process of die casting manufacture.
When you die cast you are required to force high pressured molten metal into a mould. It is longer and more expensive though, as you will require a different mould for different jobs, whilst CNC milling machines can be programmed for all sorts of different parts – and they will still be completely accurate.
When you’re working in a factory that produces the same parts all the time (hubcaps, for example), die casting manufacture can be cheaper as you won’t need to invest in the highly expensive, and you’ll be able to use the same moulds for a continuous period.
When you’re changing the parts produced on a day to day basis (when you’re producing parts for prototypes for example, rather than producing single products for a specific Aluminium die casting manufacturer), Aluminium die casting machining is a much more effective process, both in terms of time and financially.
