Die cast finishes can significantly enhance the aesthetic and technical quality of a product by altering the product or component surface. This industrial process is also applied for correcting a number of flaws, eliminating blurs, and for improving the overall electrical conductivity of the component. Moreover, applying die cast finishes will enable in obtaining the required aesthetic and durability of the product or component.
During the die casting process, the clients usually suggest most of the finishes for the product. This will help the manufacturer to apply the necessary die cast finishes for obtaining products or components with excellent aesthetic and functional qualities.
In general, die cast finishes are divided into two categories: processing techniques and finishes. Some of the important techniques employed in both die cast finishes categories are described below.
Processing Techniques
This mechanical process is specifically intended to alter the surface of the product without any change to the thickness of the material. In die cast finishes, the critical processing techniques utilized are vibration, sandblasting, and polishing.
- Vibration
During the vibration process, the components or products are subjected to a circular motion within the machine. In the process, the surface of the component gets rubbed along with water and inserts, which polishes the surface while also smoothening out any sharper edges and removes overflows.
- Sandblasting
Sandblasting is usually done by two different methods: static and dynamic sandblasting. In static sandblasting, a moving conveyor belt is fixed with components of larger sizes are fixed and struck with steel spheres for removing the overflows on its surface. Dynamic sandblasting also utilizes a similar method in which a rotating rug is used for finishing the component.
- Polishing
In the process of polishing, the components are smoothened in their surface by placing them in a horizontal or circular machine containing steel spheres. The steel spheres strike on the component surface thereby polishing it.
Finishes
Finishing is usually done for obtaining best result on a product or component. It enables one to obtain the necessary aesthetic and functional characteristics for minimizing the costs. Moreover, for fully acquiring the right finishes, a mechanical processing technique is required for the preparation of the component surface.
Die cast finishes are also utilized for providing effective protection for oxidation of external agents. Galvanic treatments or painting can be used for finishes as well. Some of the common finishes that are applied by Mexican die casters include electrolytic galvanizing, nickel plating, chromium plating, bronzing, and tin plating.