| Process | Typical Size Range | Tolerances | Surface Finish | Min. Draft Required | Min. Section Thickness | Typical Tooling Costs | Nominal Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V-PROCESS | Up to 150 lbs | +.010″ for the first 1″, then add +.002″ per inch. Add a maximum .020″ across parting line. |
125 – 150 RMS | None | .125″ | $3000-$15,000 | Samples: 2 to 6 weeks. Production: 2 to 6 weeks after approval. |
| Sand Castings | Ounces to tons | +1/32″ to 6″, then add + .003″ per inch. Add + .020 to .090″ across parting line. |
250-500 RMS | 1 to 5 degrees | .25″ | $2000-$15,000 | Samples: 2 to 6 weeks. Production: 2 to 6 weeks after approval. |
| Investment (lost Wax) | Ounces to 20 lbs | + .003″ to 1/4″ + .004″ to 1/2″ + .005″ to 3″, then add + .003″ per inch |
63-125 RMS | None | .060″ | $3000-$20,000 | Samples: 8 to 10 weeks. Production: 5 to 12 weeks after approval. |
| Permanent Mold | Ounces to 100 lbs | + .015″ to 1″, then add + .002″ per inch. Add + .010″ to .030″ across parting line. |
150-300 RMS | 2 to 5 degrees | .150″ | $10,000-$50,000 | Samples: 2 to 3 weeks. Production: 4 to 6 weeks after approval. |
| Plaster Mold | Ounces to 50 lbs | + .005″ to 2″, then add + .002″ per inch. Add + .010″ across parting line. | 63-125 RMS | 1/2 to 2 degrees | .070″ | $3000-$15,000 | Samples: 2 to 10 weeks. Production: 4 to 8 weeks after approval. |
| Die Casting | Ounces to 15 lbs | + .002″ per inch. Add + .015″ across parting line. |
32-63 RMS | 1 to 3 degrees | .030″ to .060″ | $125,000-$250,000 | Samples: 12 to 22 weeks. Production: 8 to 14 weeks after approval. |
Aluminum Casting Process Comparison
Want to learn more about our permanent mold aluminum casting capabilities? Visit this page to learn more.