Page 13 - Industrial Technology EXTRA 20th July 2020

pleasing appearances or other characteristics. such as sanding, vibratory finishing or ball
When die castings need to exhibit any of these burnishing. While these all perform the same tasks,
particular features, manufacturers can continue they greatly differ in the processes used and the end
their efforts to keep short lead times by choosing results.
one-stop-shop die casters that can also perform In addition to surface finishing treatments,
these additional operations. machining and mechanical processing are also
As the need for subcontractors is drastically extremely useful post-cast methods, as they can
reduced, logistics and management costs are also offer threading, turning, boring as well as special
slashed. This further streamlines industrial mechanical polishing and sanding treatments.
operations whilst reducing any risks associated with Amidst the different metalworking lathes available
managing a process through multiple vendors. to perform these operations, computer numerical
control (CNC) machines are among the most
Know your finishing needs advantageous. As they offer high repeatability and
When selecting a single point of contact for die accuracy, they can maintain the high-quality levels
casting and post-cast operations, it is important to built into die castings, ensuring superior end
know what the end product surface should look like. products.
There is a broad range of tools, techniques and Finally, the ability of die caster to apply seals or
machines offering very different aesthetic or gaskets to metal parts may be particularly important
functional properties to die casts. For example, for outdoor uses or in other wet and/or dusty
there are several smoothing and polishing methods, environments. In these cases, ensuring reliable

July 2020 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA! • p13