Differences between Die Casting and Lost Wax Casting

Castings process

advantages

Disadvantages

Die casting

Ø Excellent surface finish

Ø Excellent dimensional accuracy

Ø High production rate

Ø Complex shape can be cast

Ø Little or no finish cost

Ø Limitation on part size

Ø High cost of die

Ø Generally limited to casting of non ferrous metal

Lost-wax casting

Ø High production rate

Ø Good dimensional accuracy

Ø Good surface finishing

Ø Expensive setup

Ø Good for production of cylindrical parts only

Sand casting

Ø Any metal can be cast

Ø No limit size and shape

Ø Less equipment cost

Ø Economic for low volume production

Ø Coarse final

Ø Dimensional accuracy is not good

Ø Finishing required

Ø Less production rate

Individual casting

Ø Any metal can be cast

Ø Good surface finish and dimensional accuracy

Ø Fairly high production rate

Ø Less finishing cost

Ø Interlaced shape can be cast

Ø High labor cost

Ø Expensive patterns and mold

Ø Limitation on part size

Centrifugal casting

Ø No limit size and shape but mainly spherical

Ø Surface finishing smooth

Ø Not all alloys can be cast in this way

Ø An inaccurate diameter of the inner surface of the casting