Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.
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1.Customer Inquiry and Design Submission:
The customer submits a design, typically in the form of 2D/3D CAD files (e.g., STEP, IGES, or STL formats), along with specifications such as material, tolerances, surface finish, and quantity.The provider may offer a free consultation to review the design, assess manufacturability, and suggest optimizations (e.g., adjusting wall thickness or draft angles for better casting).
2.Quotation and Feasibility Analysis:
The provider analyzes the design using tools like AI-powered quoting systems or manual engineering review to estimate costs based on material, complexity, tooling, and production volume.A detailed quote is sent to the customer, outlining costs, lead times (e.g., 7-15 days for prototypes, longer for production runs), and any additional services like finishing or assembly.The customer approves the quote or requests modifications.
3.Tooling Design and Fabrication:
Once approved, the provider designs and manufactures a custom die (mold), typically made from hardened steel or aluminum, depending on the production volume (steel for high-volume, aluminum for prototypes).The customer may be involved in approving the die design to ensure it meets their specifications. This step can take days to weeks, depending on complexity.
4.Die Casting Process:
The provider uses high-pressure die casting machines to inject molten metal (e.g., aluminum, zinc, or magnesium) into the die cavity under high pressure (typically 10,000–30,000 PSI).The metal cools and solidifies rapidly (seconds to minutes), forming the part. The die is then opened, and the part is ejected.
Providers like Shenzhen Alu Rapid ensure precision with tight tolerances (e.g., ±0.005 inches) and can handle complex geometries.
5.Post-Processing and Finishing:
Parts are trimmed to remove excess material (e.g., flash or sprues).Additional processes, such as CNC machining, polishing, anodizing, powder coating, or painting, are applied based on customer requirements.Quality checks, including dimensional inspections and material testing, ensure the parts meet specifications.
6.Quality Assurance and Testing:
The provider conducts inspections using tools like CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machines), X-ray, or visual checks to verify tolerances and quality.For critical applications (e.g., aerospace or medical), additional certifications or testing may be provided to comply with standards like ISO 9001:2015.
7.Delivery to Customer:
Parts are packaged securely and shipped to the customer, with lead times depending on location and logistics (e.g., 1-2 weeks for international shipping).Providers often offer real-time tracking and updates via online platforms or direct communication.
8.Customer Feedback and Iteration:
The customer reviews the parts and provides feedback. If adjustments are needed, the provider may modify the die or process for subsequent runs. For long-term partnerships, providers store dies for future production, reducing costs for repeat orders.