Die casting is an extremely popular manufacturing process for creating metal products. Die cast parts produce high quality, uniform pieces that can be created in just about any size, part geometry, surface texture, or finish. They can require minimal secondary processes since many features can be integrated into the design such as studs, hinges, drill holes, and bosses, to name a few.
What are the advantages of die casting?
• High quality: Die cast parts deliver a long service life.
• High reliability: Exceptional uniformity of mass-produced parts.
• Quick production: Die cast tooling requires minimal maintenance.
• Versatile: Die casting can create virtually any size, part geometry, surface texture, or luster.
• Minimal assembly: Assembly features such as studs, drill holes, and bosses can be integrated into the mold design.
What is a hog-out?
A hog-out is a part that has been fully machined from a bar or blank rather than formed, net shape, by a casting or forging process.
What are the primary advantages of hog-outs versus die castings?
• Flexibility: Changes can be made on a part-by-part basis, as the design is being developed. Design changes can be made, without the need for capex tooling changes.
• Lead time: A hog-out can be produced very quickly, usually measured in days.
What are the primary advantages of die castings versus hog-outs?
• In many cases, once tooling has been built, the die casting can be produced for a cost that is near the material cost for the hog-out alone.
• Features and design details that are very costly to produce in a hog-out can be readily incorporated into the die cast tooling and will carry through to every part made from that tooling.
Why choose die castings over hog-outs?
Die casting allows you to create sharply defined metal parts from a durable range of non-ferrous metals. Die casting enables the production of components with fine details and features without the need for additional processing. Additionally, die castings can be made lighter than can be done economically with hog-outs since the additional machining time for removing extra material in a hog-out can be costly.
Though hog-out parts are perfect for quick prototyping of 1 or 2 components, short production runs, smaller-sized items, or to test the fit of a component in something else; die casting becomes the clear choice once part design has been finalized and production is anticipated. Hog-out parts also become incredibly expensive as the part size increases due to the material needed as well as the machinist’s time machining the component.
Need a hand?
With over 75 years of die casting expertise, our team of experienced engineers will evaluate your requirements to help you decide which would be the best option to achieve the desired result for your part. Our in-depth knowledge and experience allows us to control the entire pre- and post-operative processing, as well as provide turn key part solutions with a variety of options, to meet our customer’s individual needs. Contact A&B Die Casting today to get started on your next project!