PROTOTYPES
Need die cast prototypes fast?
TCDC can take your solid model and supply a short run of die cast prototypes in little as 4 weeks, or sometimes less.
If you need die-cast style parts on a shorter timeframe, TCDC has a broad source base for numerous prototype methods, and can supply metal prototype parts within a few weeks. In addition to metal prototypes, TCDC also has the capability to provide plastic prototypes using our fused deposition concept modeler. Plastic prototypes can be produced in a matter of days or even hours. Contact TCDC to get started.
Dedicated Mold Bases
TCDC casts prototype parts and some low-volume production work in TCDC-owned dedicated mold bases. This reduces tooling lead time because it is not necessary to build a whole die cast tool – only the cavity blocks (or “inserts”) that fit into the mold base.
Contact TCDC for information regarding size restrictions, and to discuss your project details.
Rapid Inserts*
Traditionally, the detailed shape of a die cast cavity block is created by spark erosion using shaped electrodes in an Electric Discharge Machine. This is a time-consuming process. Advancements in recent years have allowed more and more cavity blocks to be cut efficiently with high-speed CNC machining, and cuts time from prototype projects.
* This method of high speed machining applies to both Pre-Hard inserts and Hardened inserts (listed below):
Pre-Hard Tool Steel
To achieve a long life (in the 100,000 shot range), die cast cavity blocks are heat treated and brought to a high hardness. Heat treating and the cavity preparation necessary after heat treat consume significant time. Where prototype needs are generally for smaller quantities (up to a few thousand), it is possible to use pre-hard (non-heat treated) tool steel to cut down lead time and cost.
Hardened Tool Steel
If a prototype project might turn into a production-volume project, it sometimes pays to build hardened cavity blocks. With design considerations these can then be re-used after the prototype run is over and put into the production tool.
