Case Study: Graphite Mold Die Casting

Transcript

Hi, my name is Ed Doherty. I am the operations manager for the graphite die cast division of Armstrong RM.

I'd like to take a couple of minutes to speak to you about our graphite die cast process.

Graphite die cast process enables us to pour production alloys such as 380, 390 and most of the zinc alloys that normally would be utilized in high-pressure die casting. In addition to this, we are also able to achieve mechanical and physical properties much the same as you would expect from a high-pressure die cast process, as well. Additionally, our dimensional accuracy and part-to-part repeatability is similar to an actual production part...given that we have a fully-CNC machined tool and a fully-controlled, semi-automated process.

Our lead time runs from two to four weeks, in which time we can build an initial tool {and} pour initial sample castings. And thereafter, generally within a week, we can be in production with the parts.

The volumes we generally see are somewhere in the range of anywhere from a couple of hundred pieces up to thousands...where we can actually support bridge to production or the instance where the program may not be long term or the quantity not required. We can support low-volume production in the thousands over a number of years.

Our tooling cost is generally somewhere in the range of 10 to 15 percent, depending on part geometry. Part costing would generally be 2 to 3 times that of a die cast part.

From a prototyping standpoint, using the graphite die cast process enables engineers to actually get apples-to-apples comparisons when they are going through any testing or beta testing; whether it be for strength, stress or thermal properties that they may be looking for.

So, if you ever have a need for low-volume or prototype die cast representative castings, feel free to go to our Website, ArmstrongMold.com, and click on the link for the graphite die cast division.

And I'd like to thank you for watching this YouTube video.