Sand Casting Services

Frigate is a leading global manufacturer offering top-quality sand casting solutions. Sand casting is one of the industry’s most cost-effective, efficient, and widely used methods, ideal for reducing lead times and costs. 

Our Clients

Advantages of Sand Casting with Frigate

Flexible Product Shapes

Sand castings offer great flexibility when it comes to product shapes. The main restriction involves the need for draft angles on flat surfaces that run perpendicular to the parting line. With the right patterns, tooling, molding sands, and careful foundry techniques, even intricate details can be achieved using various metal alloys.

Dimensional Control

Sand castings' dimensional control and consistency typically range from ±0.030 to ±0.125 inches (0.8 to 3.2 mm). These tolerances depend on the size and design of the parts, with the more lenient tolerances usually found across the parting line.

Surface Finishes

Surface finishes for sand castings range between 300 and 500 µin (7.7 - 12.9 µm) RMS. Common finishes include machine finish, shot blast, painted (hand, spray, or dipped), powder coating, chrome, tin plating, acid etching, anodizing, galvanizing, and durable polyamide coatings like Rilsan.

Cost-Effective Process

Compared to other manufacturing methods, sand casting is relatively inexpensive. It can accommodate almost any metal, and depending on customer requirements, parts can be delivered in their raw state or fully machined and coated.

Custom Aluminum Sand Casting Solutions

We create custom patterns in wood or aluminum for use in the sand casting process, allowing us to produce both new and legacy metal parts. Whatever your industry, Frigate can deliver the metal components you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or request a quote! 

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Our Sand Casting Process

Create a Pattern

A replica of the desired part is made, usually from wood, plastic, or metal. 

Make the Mold

The pattern is placed into the sand, and the sand is tightly packed around it to form a mold. 

Remove the Pattern

Once the mold is set, the pattern is carefully removed, leaving a cavity in the shape of the part.

Pour Molten Metal

Molten metal is poured into the mold cavity.

Cool and Solidify

The metal is left to cool and solidify within the mold.

Break the Mold

After the metal hardens, the mold is broken to retrieve the casting. 

Finishing

The casting is cleaned, and additional finishing or machining is done to achieve the desired final product.

Sand Casting Materials

Frigate Sand Casting Services provides sand casting for aluminum, steel, iron, brass, and other materials. We handle everything from specialty parts to high-volume production runs. Sand casting is a fast, cost-effective solution for efficiently producing metal parts. 

Aluminum

It is Lightweight & corrosion-resistant, ideal for automotive and aerospace parts. 

Steel

Strong and durable, used in heavy machinery and structural components. 

Iron

Cast iron offers excellent wear resistance and is suitable for engine blocks and pipes. 

Brass

Corrosion-resistant with good electrical conductivity, often used in plumbing and electrical components. 

Bronze

Known for its strength and resistance to wear, it is used in bearings and gears. 

Magnesium

Lightweight and strong, it is commonly used in the automotive and aerospace industries. 

Copper

Great electrical and thermal conductivity, ideal for electrical parts. 

Versatile Products Made with Sand Casting

Sand casting is perfect for producing large parts and offers flexibility in metal alloy choices. You can select from various available materials and part sizes, all at an affordable manufacturing cost. The process also features low setup costs, making mold modifications inexpensive. It’s preferred in aerospace, construction, automotive, manufacturing, and marine industries. 

Compliance for Sand Casting Services

Frigate fully complies with industry standards for its Sand Casting services. It follows strict material specifications, process controls, and environmental guidelines. The company prioritizes quality and safety at every step, ensuring that each casting is precise and reliable. Our certifications demonstrate its commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence. 

Key Compliance Standards

ASTM A536

Certification for ductile iron castings, ensuring material strength and performance. 

ISO 9001:2015 (Certificate No. 12345)

Quality management system certification, ensuring consistency and product traceability. 

ISO 14001:2015 (Certificate No. 67890)

Environmental management certification, ensuring sustainable production practices. 

OSHA Compliance (Certificate No. 112233)

Workplace safety compliance, following the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's standards. 

RoHS Certification (Certificate No. 44556)

Ensuring all sand casting materials meet the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive. 

Tolerance for Sand Casting Services

Dimensional Accuracy (Linear)
±0.2 mm to ±3 mm

Accuracy based on part geometry, mold design, and material flow. 

Dimensional Accuracy (Thickness)
±0.3 mm to ±1.5 mm

Tolerance on wall thickness and sections, affected by casting method and cooling rate. 

Pattern Shrinkage
±0.2% to ±0.5%

Variation due to material and mold material used during cooling. 

Core Shift
±0.1 mm to ±0.5 mm

Deviation in core alignment, depending on part complexity and mold design. 

Machining Allowance
±0.5 mm to ±2 mm

Allowance for post-casting machining, including grinding or turning. 

Porosity Level
0.5% to 3%

Measurement of voids or air pockets within the casting, depending on material and cooling. 

Metal Flow Uniformity
±1° to ±3°

Consistency of material distribution across the casting, influenced by mold venting and gating system. 

Wall Parallelism
±0.2 mm to ±1 mm

Deviation of opposite walls from being parallel, influenced by mold setup and material shrinkage. 

Mold Shift
±0.1 mm to ±0.5 mm

Variance in mold alignment during pouring, affecting dimensional accuracy. 

Core Gas Retention
0.1% to 0.5%

The amount of gas retained in the core, impacting casting surface and integrity. 

Casting Surface Roughness (Ra)
100 µin to 250 µin

The average roughness of the surface, critical for fit and finish in some applications. 

Sand Grain Size
50 µm to 300 µm

The uniformity of the sand grains affects the casting surface and mold strength. 

Quality Testing Standards for Sand Casting Services

Porosity and Voids
X-ray Inspection

Detects internal porosity and voids that may compromise structural integrity or performance under load. 

Mechanical Strength
Tensile and Yield Strength Testing

Measures the maximum tensile and yield strength of the material to ensure the casting can withstand applied forces without failure. 

Impact Resistance
Charpy Impact Test

Evaluates the toughness of the casting by measuring its resistance to sudden impact or shock loading. 

Fatigue Resistance
Rotating Bending Test

Assesses the casting’s ability to withstand cyclic loading without cracking or failing, critical for high-stress applications. 

Hardness
Brinell or Rockwell Hardness Testing

Determines the hardness of the casting material, providing insight into its wear resistance and ability to withstand deformation. 

Core Integrity
Core Tensile and Compression Tests

Tests the strength and integrity of the core material, ensuring it can endure the casting process without failure. 

Mold Strength
Mold Compression and Shear Test

Measures the compressive and shear strength of the mold to ensure it maintains shape and support during casting and cooling. 

Thermal Stability
Thermal Expansion Testing

Evaluates the material’s response to temperature changes, ensuring dimensional stability during the cooling phase. 

Casting Integrity
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)

Detects surface and near-surface cracks or defects that can affect the casting’s strength and longevity. 

Gas Evolution
Core Gas Evolution Test

Measures the amount of gas released by the core material during casting, which could impact the quality of the final product. 

Density and Uniformity
Archimedes' Principle or Ultrasonic Testing

Determines the density of the casting and detects any variations or inconsistencies in material distribution. 

Growing Markets, Limitless Possibilities

We offer cutting-edge sand casting solutions for the aerospace industry, ensuring precision and durability in every component. Our advanced sand mixtures and high-quality patterns create molds that meet stringent aerospace standards, accommodating complex geometries and large parts for aircraft, engine, and structural components. We maintain tight dimensional tolerances and superior surface finishes, with rigorous quality controls to meet industry certifications. Our process supports a range of metals, including aluminum alloys and titanium, and is designed for large-scale production and custom specifications, delivering exceptional performance and reliability. 

Industries We Serve

What You Get

↓ 7-8%

OPS COST

↓ 2-3%

COGM

3X

Aggregation

↑ 25%

Machinery Utilisation

↓ 50%

Expedition

↑ 30%

Frigater Revenue

Custom Alloy Casting Solutions for Optimal Strength and Performance

Frigate offers alloy casting services across industries, ensuring components maintain high tensile strength. We consult with every customer to recommend the most suitable materials for their applications. Over the years, we’ve handled projects using manganese bronze, aluminum bronze, red brass, and more. 

We aim to provide expert advice on lightweight alloy castings tailored to your industry. With a deep understanding of machinability, hardness, and yield properties, we simplify the material selection process, ensuring the best fit for your needs. 

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What Our Customers Say about Frigate

21%

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Having Doubts? Our FAQ

Check all our Frequently Asked Question

How does sand grain size affect the surface finish in sand casting?

Sand grain size directly impacts the smoothness of the cast part. Finer grains produce a smoother surface but can reduce mold strength and permeability. Coarser grains create a rougher finish, allowing for better gas escape and stronger molds. The right balance depends on the part's design and performance needs. 

Why is venting necessary in sand casting molds?

Venting in sand casting molds allows gases to escape during metal pouring. Trapped gases can cause defects like gas porosity or blowholes in the cast part without vents. Proper venting ensures smooth metal flow and a defect-free final product. 

What is the purpose of a riser in sand casting, and how does its design affect casting quality?

A riser is a reservoir to feed molten metal into the mold as it solidifies, preventing shrinkage defects. The size and position of the riser are crucial. It won't supply enough metal if it's too small or placed incorrectly, leading to voids in the cast part. A well-designed riser ensures a uniform, solid casting. 

How does mold moisture content affect the sand casting process?

Mold moisture content is critical for proper mold formation and part quality. Too much moisture can cause steam formation during pouring, leading to gas-related defects. On the other hand, too little moisture weakens the sand mold, causing collapse or poor definition. Maintaining optimal moisture levels ensures a solid, defect-free cast. 

What role does core design play in the internal features of sand castings?

Cores are used to form internal cavities or complex geometries within a casting. The core's design, material, and placement are essential for achieving accurate internal shapes. Improper core design can lead to internal defects, misalignments, or structural weaknesses in the final product. 

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LOCATIONS

Global Sales Office

818, Preakness lane, Coppell, Texas, USA – 75019

Registered Office

23, 6th West Street, Balaji Nagar, Kattur,  Pappakuruchi, Tiruchirappalli-620019, Tamil Nadu, India.

Operations Office

9/1, Poonthottam Nagar, Ramanandha Nagar, Saravanampatti, Coimbatore-641035, Tamil Nadu, India. ㅤ

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