Choosing the Best Rapid Casting Material

Selecting the most suitable material for a rapid casting project is critical. How else can you blend price, functionality, and long-term performance?

Rapid casting offers many materials, each with unique attributes suitable for varied applications. Let’s simplify your decision-making by diving deep into the most prevalent rapid-casting materials, their standout features, and primary use cases.

Looking for high-quality rapid casting services? See how MakerVerse helps.

Cast Aluminum (AlSi10Mg)

This aluminum alloy offers excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

Benefits:

• Lightweight and strong
• Good thermal and electrical conductivity
• Superior corrosion resistance

Key Applications: Aerospace components, automotive parts, and machinery components.

Cast Aluminum (AlSi7Mg)

A variant of an aluminum alloy known for its balanced mechanical properties and casting characteristics.

Benefits:

• Optimal strength-to-weight ratio
• Enhanced elongation properties
• Good castability

Key Applications: Structural automotive parts, marine applications, and aerospace components.

Cast Iron (EN-GJS-400)

A versatile ductile cast iron with decent mechanical properties.

Benefits:

• Good tensile strength
• Excellent machinability
• Suitable for intricate designs

Key Applications: Valves, pumps, and engineering components.

Cast Iron (EN-GJS-500)

Higher-grade ductile cast iron with improved mechanical properties.

Benefits:

• Superior tensile strength and yield strength
• Improved wear resistance
• Good impact toughness

Key Applications: Heavy-duty gears, machine tool parts, and automotive components.

Grey Cast Iron (EN-GJL 150)

Characterized by its graphite-rich structure, this iron is widely used due to its castability.

Benefits:

• Excellent damping capability
• High compressive strength
• Easy to cast and machine

Key Applications: Engine blocks, brake discs, and counterweights.

Grey Cast Iron (EN-GJL 200)

A slightly upgraded version of the EN-GJL 150 with enhanced tensile strength.

Benefits:

• Better wear resistance
• Enhanced tensile strength
• Good castability

Key Applications: Engine casings, housings, and pulleys.

Cast Magnesium (AZ91D)

Lightweight and known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio.

Benefits:

• High vibrational damping capacity
• Superior strength-to-weight ratio
• Good machinability

Key Applications: Aerospace components, electronic housings, and automotive parts.

Navigating Material Selection with MakerVerse

Rapid casting materials cater to many applications spanning multiple sectors. When contemplating a material, weighing the mechanical properties, cost, and appearance is important.

At MakerVerse, our seasoned experts understand the subtleties inherent in each material. Let’s work together to turn your design into a perfect part. Upload your design to the MakerVerse platform, and our experts will follow up.