Spin Casting

Also known as Centrifugal Casting, Spin Casting is a method of utilizing centrifugal force to produce castings from a rubber mold the disc shaped mold is spun along its central axis while a molten metal is poured through an opening at the top center of the mold. The filled mold continues to spin as the metal solidifies.
This process is used to create two-level, three-dimensional, and bas relief pieces with pewter and other white metal alloys. The part can be finished and plated in bronze, brass, copper, gold, silver or nickel.

• Advantages: Reduced tooling costs, ability to mass produce
• Limitations: Size restrictions, limited to smaller parts
• Tooling costs range from $400-$600

Investment Casting

Investment casting, also called lost-wax casting, is one of the oldest known metal-forming techniques. In this process, wax is injected into a mold which is then coated with a ceramic material. The ceramic hardens and cures at high temperatures which eliminate the wax pattern. Metal is then heated to 2100 degrees and cast into the cavity. After the metal has solidified, the ceramic material is removed and the resulting piece is then finished.

The castings allow the production of components with accuracy, repeatability, versatility and integrity in a variety of metals

• Advantages: High detail, complex shapes
• Limitations: Higher tooling costs
• Tooling costs can vary depending on size and complexity, but typically range from $800-$1,500

Sand Casting

Sand casting is a cast part which is produced by pouring liquid metal into a mold made of a mixture of silica sand, clay, moisture and other additives packed around a pattern in order to form a mold cavity. After the mold has been compacted, the pattern is withdrawn and molten metal is poured into the remaining mold cavity. After the metal has solidified and cooled, the casting is separated from the sand mold.

• Product uses: Signage, Plaques
• Advantages: Outdoor use
• Tooling costs range from $400-$600

Die Casting

Die casting is the process of forcing molten metal under high pressure into mold cavities. This process is used to create small to medium sized parts with good detail, a fine surface quality and dimensional consistency.

• Advantages: Excellent dimensional accuracy, smooth surface, rapid production
• Limitations: High initial cost; casting must be smaller than 24 square inches in total area
• Tooling costs can vary depending on size and complexity, but typically range from $1,500-$3,000

Die Striking

Die striking is the process whereby a metal blank is placed between hardened steel dies which stamp (strike) the metal under extreme pressure, conforming it to the shape of the die.

• Advantages: Refined detail
• Limitations: Lower relief
• Product Uses: Medallions
• Tooling costs can vary depending on size and complexity, but typically range from $1,500-$3,000