What is Aluminum Prototype Manufacturing?
Author: M.Hagaman | January 2022 | 8 minute Read
Aluminum prototype manufacturing is a rapid manufacturing process from aluminum blocks. This process involves different technologies and different machines to come up with the best possible design.
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What is Aluminum Prototype Manufacturing?
Perhaps you need an aluminum prototype for electronics, robotics, or appliances. Production costs might be something you are looking into as well. Or maybe you need a prototype part made out of aluminum that is needed for testing and evaluating before the big push to mass production.
There are many possible scenarios when you are thinking about purchasing an item made out of aluminum. But what is aluminum prototype manufacturing?
Modern-day technologies have changed the way products are made. Parameters like weight, appearance, and functions have to be constantly redefined.
This has led to the development of prototypes that help build or develop products before they are actually built or produced in mass quantities.
Using a metal casting company that can deliver quality aluminum prototype castings and machined parts is essential.
Why Choose Aluminum Prototype Manufacturing?
5 top Benefits of aluminum prototype manufacturing
Although some prototypes have no mechanical or functional role, they can showcase the quality and durability of a product. Pre-production, hybrid and functional prototypes have a role to fulfill; therefore need to be of good quality and strength. Aluminum is the metal of choice due to its superior characteristics.
1. Cost-Effective Prototyping
Aluminum prototypes are more cost-effective than other types of materials because of the abundance of aluminum and the metal’s physical characteristics. Because of its durability, aluminum is less likely to need to be replaced more frequently.
Compared to more inexpensive options like plastic, the aluminum prototype has more resistance to extreme temperatures. It is also great for testing electronics in extreme temperature conditions because of its conductivity.
2. Production Benefits
Besides saving cost, if the prototype is made from the metal that the final product is going to be made, customers can get a more definite solution for production. Most of our customers use their prototypes as their production parts.
3. Aesthetics
Prototypes help you confirm the ergonomic design and test the durability of your product. At times, aluminum prototypes can be used to determine the strength and weight of the product as well. Metal Castings in aluminum can produce a better look compared to 3D printing and are more cost-effective than CNC machining. We are able to produce castings with smooth surfaces similar to die castings with our Plaster mold casting and Sand Mold casting processes.
4. Testing Accuracy
Because of the superior quality of the metal, aluminum prototype manufacturing is more desirable for market testing,
5. Strength
Aluminum alloys are high in strength, have good corrosion resistance, and are recyclable. Because of these excellent characteristics, they are widely used in many industries including aviation and defense.
Different Forms Aluminum Prototypes Manufacturing Processes
What is aluminum Prototype manufacturing?
From the landing gear and fins of an airplane to a child’s lunchbox, it’s everywhere. Thousands of businesses around the world rely on aluminum prototype manufacturing services.
Aluminum manufacturing prototypes are created from both cast aluminum, sand-cast aluminum, and die-cast aluminum.
Aluminum prototyping, or rapid manufacturing, is the process of creating product models and mockups quickly. Many companies that deal with aluminum prototypes have the technology and equipment to provide these services. At Precise Cast, we use Plaster Mold castings or Sand casting processes.
These two processes are great replacements for Die-casting or Investment casting, because they provide similar surface finishes, much quicker lead and turn times, and are more cost-effective. But most customers will only reap this benefit when using a foundry that is equipped with the latest in technology and has the experience to produce high-quality aluminum prototypes.
CNC machining is a common method used to create aluminum prototypes. This subtractive manufacturing method uses computer-aided input to machine a block of metal into the desired geometry.
Our quality of prototypes is so pristine and effective that many of our customers use their prototype pieces as production.
A common misconception is that prototypes are simply a 3D print with added color and material. While we do offer 3D printing services, our prototype castings are “real” castings to give our customers the look and feel of their final product.
At Precise Cast, we take pride in being the leading manufacturer of top-quality aluminum prototypes. We have crafted thousands of prototypes for a wide variety of industries and applications.
Resources:
Prototype Manufacturing at Precise Cast
For more about CNC prototype Machining see our CNC services and check out our friends at FMD Prototype Machining
