Choosing the right prototyping process for pressure die casting projects is very tricky at most and highly complex at worst. When getting things done, there is a lot to consider, such as material restrictions, rigor tests, and other proofs of quality your prototype will endure on the road to manufacturing. The fact remains that if you need a prototype that performs just as well as the finished product, you need pressure die casting mixed in the process of making it happen.

If you are intent on this route, you may also try investment casting, this will allow you to handle a short-run cycle with hard tooled wax patterns, or you can use a 3D printed model handled with SLA or PMMA that has to be run through a foundry like any production run. If you are wondering what benefits this brings to your finished project, read on, you may be in for a big surprise!

You Get a Prototype with Functional Mechanical and Physical Properties

Investment cast prototypes have the same mechanical to pressure die-cast components. You get incredible tensile strength, ductility, and extraordinary yield strength. Your prototype will provide information on these features while holding tolerances similar to die casting. The sophistication of pressure die casting is included in the finished piece, holding tolerances of ± 0.02 mm, with room for more deviation depending on the workshop you are working with. This also depends on the part configuration, but some companies can go as far as ±.003 or ±.004.

You Can Work with Any Alloy You Want

By working with investment cast prototypes, you will not be limited to use any material. With machining, you require to factor in a lot of measurements such as speed in the cycle time and the cast's cost. Investment casting is compatible with any alloy. Any choice you have does not change how fast things get done. If you need to take care of other features such as conductivity, elongation, strength, and hardness, you'll be able to test any of these settings before going into production. Your pressure die casting will be near perfect.

You Can Test the Surface Finish

Keeping up with the testing requirements, you will need your pressure die casting component to be able to withstand the most extreme conditions (if the project calls for that). By going with an investing casting prototype, you will be able to test anything from longevity to high wear features. You can also see how the surface finish stands the plating tests and get the final coating pros or cons that will go in your product. You get the best aesthetics for your product with little to no impact on your production cycle.

Conclusion

Pressure die casting is great to get products done, but it's better when you spike the process with something that adds value. Investment prototyping allows you to get a fully functional prototype for the most demanding project requirements. You get to skip the proof of concept and get something that works in the hands of your business partners.