There are a number of options available to manufacturers when it comes to the molding of metal parts. You might be familiar with die casting, which is one of the most popular method of shaping a metal into the desired form. Many manufactures prefer die casting to other methods because of the convenience and efficiency it offers.
Powdered metal process is an excellent alternative for the die casting of metal parts, but one of the major disadvantages of this process is that it is not applicable for a wide variety of metal manufacturing applications. On the other hand, die casting is applicable for different metal manufacturing applications.
Die Casting Process
The process of die casting is familiar to all of us. In this process, manufacturers initially force the molten metal into a closed die in the shape of the desired parts. In the next stage, die casting manufactures apply high pressure on the molten metal while it cools.
The cooled metal, which is now in the desired shape, is then removed from the casting tree. Die casting is a highly effective and efficient way of producing quality shaped parts even though these parts have the same complexity.
Powdered Metal Process
The powdered metal process of shaping metals into desired shapes does share more than a few similarities with die casting process. In this metal part manufacturing process, manufacturers compress the premixed metal powder into a mold through a high-pressure press, which leads to the formation of a substance called compact.
Manufacturers then use a sintering oven to heat the compact product to a temperature that is slightly lesser than the melting point of the metal. The compressed metal powder fuse with one another during the process and it gives rise to the finished metal part.
Similarities and Differences
Both powdered metal and die casting processes of shaping metals are alloy friendly and they are an accurate choice for large product runs. Both processes offer high consistency and precision to the manufacturing process. In addition to that, both these processes are simple and they can be used for producing complex metal parts.
However, the products of powdered metal process are usually a lot heavier and thicker when compared to the products manufactured with die casting. Another significant thing to note is that powdered metal molds are a lot costlier, whereas die casting process is cheap, yet reliable.