ceramic substitutes pressure casting parts
In the ceramic injection molding process, the achievable tolerances are significantly higher than they are for pressure die-casting. The manufacturing process and further processing operations involving the use of ceramics deliver substantial benefits.
The materials used most frequently in the pressure die-casting process are
- Aluminum (aluminum pressure die-casting)
- Zinc (zinc pressure die-casting)
- Magnesium (magnesium pressure die-casting)
The pressure die-casting process is most certainly one way of manufacturing complex as well as fairly large components. However, the achievable tolerances are set lower than they are in the injection molding process. The geometrical latitude afforded is also limited when compared to injection molding. The process of manufacturing pressure die-cast components like this, when compared to injection-molded components, is more elaborate. To a large extent this is because castings, after the die-casting operation, frequently require further processing (deburring, machining of surfaces). This more than balances out (i.e. cancels) the price differential between these materials and their ceramic counterparts.
Depending on specific application, and on material requirements, the performance characteristics of ceramic materials can deliver a qualitative improvement in the component. High temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, electrical insulation, hardness: all of these are property profiles that make it only sensible to use ceramic injection moldings as substitutes for pressure die-cast components. Manufacturing costs may constitute an advantage, but the decisive factor is improvement of product performance.
Ceramic injection moldings versus pressure die-castings
- Greater latitude with molding geometries (however only on smaller components)
- Less expensive production in isolated cases
- Depending on application, improved material characteristics