There are a million reasons why we have been using metal for centuries. Metal is durable, compact, relatively easy to melt and manipulate, and can be cast into an infinite number of complex shapes and sizes for purposes ranging from industrial machinery and structural components to decorative fixtures and sculpture. 

Metal casting involves pouring metal that melts into shape or mold, which can often be reused to make many copies of the same part. Ordering custom metal casting can not only save the time and effort required to machine and weld many replicas of the same object but can also ensure that each part is identical to the last.

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There are many factors that need to be considered before ordering custom metal castings, such as design specifications (form, quantity), application quality assurance (type of metal, heat treatment, inspection), and logistics (delivery). If you do not consider these factors, then you run the risk of purchasing castings that are not suitable for your needs, which will produce a waste of time, money, and resources.

Design Specifications

Before contacting a metal casting company or metal casting supplier, consider your metal casting needs in detail. Start by thinking about which parts you want, shape, dimensions, and the number of copies of each part you need. In metal casting, making patterns is a process where casting prints are developed. The mold developed is then used to deliver the designed part. Mold can be reused or can not be reused depending on the mold material, which is the important reason to decide whether you need one item or whether you will need a lot of replicas from the item.

Application quality assurance

Apart from the specifications of the shape and quantity, it is also important to think of applications used by metal castings. Application purposes can determine the type of metal used for casting and heat treatment needed to ensure a long life for your castings. There are a number of different metals to be chosen for casting such as copper-based alloys and nickel, iron, steel, and aluminum. This means you also need to consider physical properties and costs and aesthetics when determining which metal is best for your part and application.

Logistics

Apart from the design specifications and quality assurance requirements, it is also important to ensure that you can have your finished product delivered when you need it. Most likely, the metal casting company or supplier you choose to work with will run along with a production schedule. Therefore, it is important to communicate with your foundry to determine lead times and pricing for the products you need.