Shata Castings is commited to helping you every step of the way through your purchase of metal castings.
Follow the simple steps below to find the best castings for your application. Please email us if you need further assistance through the important process of finding the correct castings for your application. We can also discuss molds, samples, CNC machining, or technical supports you will need, and any other concerns you may have. We look forward to serving you.

Step 1 - Choose Casting Methods Based On Materials And Tolerances

Material Type	Casting Method	Tolerance Range	Notes/Best Use Cases
Ferrous Metals
	Sand Casting	±0.5 mm or more	Cost-effective for large parts, general use
	Investment Casting	±0.1 mm or less	High precision, intricate designs, aerospace
	Die Casting	±0.1 mm or less	High volume, good surface finish, automotive
Non-Ferrous Metals
	Die Casting	±0.1 mm or less	Excellent for aluminum and zinc, high-volume
	Sand Casting	±0.5 mm or more	Larger components, less complex designs
	Permanent Mold Casting	±0.1 to ±0.5 mm	Good mechanical properties, medium volume
Ductile Iron
	Sand Casting	±0.5 mm or more	Versatile, cost-effective for large components
	Centrifugal Casting	±0.5 mm or more	Ideal for pipes and cylindrical shapes
Aluminum
	Die Casting	±0.1 mm or less	High precision, thin-walled sections
	Investment Casting	±0.1 mm or less	Complex shapes, excellent surface finish
	Permanent Mold Casting	±0.1 to ±0.5 mm	Good for moderate volumes, good surface finish
Copper Alloys
	Sand Casting	±0.5 mm or more	Lower volume production, less intricate designs
	Permanent Mold Casting	±0.1 to ±0.5 mm	Good for medium-sized parts, decent tolerances

Step 2 - Determine Casting Method Based On Size And Order Quantity

Casting Method	Quantity	Part Size	Cost-Effectiveness	Best Use Cases
Sand Casting	Low to Medium	Small to Large	Cost-effective for low volumes	General use, large components, prototype parts
Investment Casting	Low to Medium	Small to Medium	Higher cost, but low waste	Aerospace, medical devices, precision components
Die Casting	High	Small to Medium	Cost-effective at high volumes	Automotive parts, consumer goods
Permanent Mold Casting	Medium to High	Small to Medium	Moderate cost, reusable molds	Aluminum components, medium volume applications
Centrifugal Casting	Medium to High	Medium to Large	Efficient for specific shapes	Pipes, tubes, and round components
Lost Foam Casting	Low to Medium	Medium to Large	Moderate to high cost, good for complexity	Complex industrial parts, automotive components
Low-Pressure Die Casting	Medium	Medium	More cost-effective than high-pressure die casting	Good surface finish for medium parts

Step 3 - Check Casting Mold Costs and Mold Lifespan

Casting Method	Mold Cost	Mold Lifespan	Cost-Effectiveness	Notes
Sand Casting	Low to Moderate	Low (usually single-use)	Cost-effective for low volumes	Molds can be easily created, but require more labor.
Investment Casting	High	Moderate (multiple uses)	Higher initial costs, but lower waste	Molds are made from expensive materials; good for complex parts.
Die Casting	High	High (thousands of parts)	Most cost-effective for high volumes	Initial costs are high, but amortized over high production runs.
Permanent Mold Casting	Moderate	High (up to 10,000 parts)	Moderate cost; efficient for medium volumes	Molds can be reused, offering a balance of cost and efficiency.
Centrifugal Casting	Moderate	High (up to several hundred parts)	Efficient for specific shapes	Molds are reusable; cost depends on complexity.
Lost Foam Casting	Moderate to High	Low (usually single-use)	Moderate to high cost for complex shapes	Requires specialized molds; good for intricate designs.
Low-Pressure Die Casting	High	High (thousands of parts)	Cost-effective for medium volumes	Similar to die casting but often more economical for specific applications.