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✓ Consistent quality
✓ ISO 9001:2015 certified
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GRAVITY DIE CASTING

Inodus are experts in the field of die casting. Our team has been working with reputable foundries in the UK and China for more than a decade.

 

Our core foundry partner produces their own tools and is located in Ningbo, one of the leading locations in the world for die casting. With our technical know-how and capability, we are able to produce challenging parts (thick walls, tall fins, minimal draft angles, complex cores etc.) which EU and UK competitors may not be able to make. In addition, our core partner has a long-proven track of record supplying UK manufacturers, making products used in many UK key infrastructure projects. Major clients include leading global corporations in different sectors, such as telecom, automobile, electric vehicle, lighting, etc.

 

In essence, what we offer is the combination of best tooling cost and part cost, easy DFM, superior FOTS (First out of tool sample), quick technical communication and consistent quality.

 

Inodus can also offer a stock holding up to a year in the foundry’s storage to facilitate logistic turnaround. If you require high volume production each month, we can also arrange transfer of the tool to a UK foundry of your choice.

Gravity die casting capability overview

Gravity die casting
Maximum part size
750 x 550 x 500 mm
Special dimension upon request
Maximum material weight 20kg (Aluminium)
Tool lead time
30 – 50 days ( typical production tool )
60 - 100 days ( very complex tool )
Typical tool life 30,000 - 50,000 cycles
FOTS (First off-tool) lead time 10 - 12 days
Standard linear tolerance
L ≤ 25mm, ± 0.4 mm
For each additional 25mm, ± 0.025mm

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When to use gravity die casting

  • Parts that are usable in as-cast state
  • Excellent mechanical properties that are also suitable for heat treatmennt
  • Best suited for larger, thicker parts than pressure die casting
  • Low to medium volume production
  • Significantly lower tooling cost than pressure die casting

CAD re-model service for die casting

If you are not familiar with creating CAD models to suit die casting manufacturing, we are able to offer a re-modelling service (creating draft angles and vary wall thickness, etc.) to suit the casting process.  This service is free of charge once the tooling has been ordered. Depending on complexity a slightly longer lead time will be required.

Available materials for gravity die casting

Inodus offers the most comprehensive selection of materials.  If your required material is not in the list, we will try our best to source it for you. If you are not sure which material is best for your application, our design engineers are here to help.

Types Application considerations
Aluminium alloy Light weight, good mechanical, thermal and electrical conductivity
LM25 (A356)
LM6 (A413)
A357
A360
Copper alloy Long term dimensional stability

Post-processing service for die casting

Service
Heat treatment T4, T5, T6 etc.
CNC machining Additional machining Drilling and tapping
Sand / bead blasting  
Anodizing Type II (glossy) Type II (matte) Type III (hardcoat) Various colour
Plating Nickel, zinc, tin, brass, copper, silver, gold, Teflon impregnated, copper
Powder coating To any RAL colour
Part marking Laser etching, laser engraving
Electropolishing  
Brushing  
Chromate conversion coating  
Other finishes Mixture of above, UV protection coating, Teflon coating, Sand blasting, Brushing Polishing, Vapor polishing (plastic only)

Facility Audit

We understand that sometimes your company will need to perform an audit or a third-party QC firm to approve the project. We are highly experienced in both and can make arrangements if you decide to visit the production site.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between Gravity die casting and Pressure die casting

The gravity die casting rely on gravity to fill the mould while pressure die casting allows alloy to be injected quickly. Pressure die casting is far more automated and thus have very high productivity and reduced human error.

Tooling cost for gravity die casting is much lower than pressure die casting due to the use of cast iron instead of hardened steel for the mould, plus that the pressure die casting require sophisticated internal cooling channel design.

 

The advantage of gravity die casting is that the part in as-cast state is stronger than pressure die casting (without subsequent heat treatment), thanks to the slower speed the molten metal enters the mould, which reduced air trapped inside. The choice of which process to be used thus depend on the estimated total quantity and economic factors. We can help you decide which casting solution is best for your project.

Tool ownership and transfer

You have the complete ownership of the mould. The mould by default is stored permanently without any expiry date. If there’s any need to transfer the tool to a UK foundry it’s easy to do so. It is also common for the mould to be made first than shipped to a UK foundry for subsequent casting (see tool making service)

What happens after the tool exceed its lifespan

Tool wear and damage can occur, resulting in sub-standard parts (more burrs, breaking edges, uneven surfaces etc.). Although in most cases mould can be repaired to extend its lifespan, other factors need to be considered whether making a new tool is more economical.

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