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.

Post-Processing Services in Sand Casting

Post-processing enhances the quality, durability, and performance of sand-cast components. From surface finishing to precision machining, these processes refine raw castings to meet industry standards. Proper post-processing ensures improved mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy, and extended component lifespan. 

Shot Blasting
Pressure: 50-100 psi
Media: Steel Grit, Aluminum Oxide, Glass Beads

Automotive (engine blocks, transmission cases), Aerospace (housings) 

Grinding & Fettling
Surface Roughness: Ra 6-12 µm
Wheel Grit Size: 24-60

General Manufacturing (pump housings, brackets) 

Heat Treatment
Temp: 500-1100°C
Soaking Time: 1-10 hrs
Cooling Rate: Air/Oil/Water

Automotive (gearboxes, crankshafts), Industrial (valve bodies) 

Machining
Tolerance: ±0.1-0.5 mm
Cutting Speed: 100-500 m/min (varies by material)

Aerospace (turbine components), Automotive (brake calipers) 

Surface Coating
Coating Thickness: 10-200 µm
Process: Powder Coating, Anodizing, Zinc Plating

Marine (propellers), Industrial Equipment (pumps, compressors) 

Impregnation
Pressure: 50-150 psi
Vacuum Level: -28 inHg, Resin Penetration: 90%+

Automotive (manifolds), Hydraulic Systems (valve bodies) 

Inspection & Testing
X-ray (Energy: 100-450 kV)
Ultrasonic (Freq: 1-10 MHz)
Dye Penetrant (Sensitivity: Level 3)

Aerospace (critical parts), Oil & Gas (pressure fittings) 

Methoding in Sand Casting

Gating Ratio
1:2:4 – 1:4:4 (Sprue:Runner:Ingate)

Automotive (engine blocks, gear housings), Aerospace (structural parts) 

Riser Design
Open, Blind, Side, Top, or Bottom Feed

Heavy Machinery (pump casings, turbine housings) 

Riser Efficiency
25% – 50% (Metal Yield Percentage)

Industrial Equipment (compressor parts, motor housings) 

Choke Area Calculation
Based on Bernoulli’s Equation & Pouring Rate

Aerospace (thin-wall castings), Marine (propellers) 

Mold Filling Time
5 – 120 seconds (Depends on casting volume & material)

High-Precision Castings (medical devices, turbine blades) 

Runner Cross-Section
Trapezoidal, Rectangular, or Circular

Foundry Optimization (reducing turbulence & metal wastage) 

Pouring Basin Design
Rectangular, Conical, or Parabolic

Automotive & Industrial Components (reducing metal oxidation) 

Cooling Rate Control
0.5 – 5°C per second (Varies by alloy type)

Aerospace (heat-resistant alloys), Tooling (die inserts) 

Chill Placement
Localized or Global (Graphite, Copper, Steel Chills)

Automotive (cylinder heads), Energy Sector (turbine casings) 

Shrinkage Allowance
0.5% – 2.5% (Based on material properties)

Precision Components (gearboxes, aircraft fittings) 

sand casting services

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. 

sand casting services

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. 

Tonnage / Capacity in Sand Casting

Understanding tonnage and capacity in sand casting is crucial for producing high-quality components across various industries. Factors such as casting weight, pouring temperature, and metal flow rate determine the precision, strength, and efficiency of the final product 

Casting Weight Capacity
0.1 kg – 50,000 kg

Heavy Machinery (engine blocks, pump housings), Aerospace (structural parts) 

Molding Box Size
300×300 mm – 5000×5000 mm

Automotive (gear housings, brackets), Industrial (valve bodies) 

Pouring Temperature
650°C – 1600°C (varies by material)

Aerospace (aluminum castings), Oil & Gas (stainless steel valves) 

Metal Flow Rate
2-30 kg/sec

Automotive (cylinder heads), Railway (wheel hubs) 

Sand Compression Strength
100 – 3500 kPa

High-precision castings for turbines, Marine (propellers) 

Core Density
1.5 – 2.5 g/cm³

Engine Components (cylinder heads, manifolds) 

Casting Tolerance
± 0.2 – ± 2 mm (depends on size & complexity)

Aerospace (high-precision housings), Automotive (engine blocks) 

Cooling Time
30 minutes – 48 hours (depends on mass & alloy)

Large Castings (industrial turbines, ship components) 

Melt Capacity per Batch
50 kg – 100,000 kg

Foundries producing large-scale industrial parts 

Dimensions in Sand Casting

Precision in sand casting depends on accurate dimensional control to ensure high-performance components. Factors like mold size, casting thickness, and shrinkage allowance impact the final product’s quality and functionality. 

Maximum Casting Size
Up to 10,000 mm (varies by foundry & material)

Heavy Machinery (engine blocks, pump casings), Marine (ship components) 

Minimum Casting Thickness
2 mm – 10 mm (depends on metal & mold type)

Aerospace (thin-wall turbine blades), Automotive (lightweight brackets) 

Maximum Mold Size
5000×5000 mm

Industrial Equipment (valve bodies, compressor housings) 

Core Passage Diameter
5 mm – 1000 mm

Hydraulic Systems (fluid passages), Oil & Gas (pipeline fittings) 

Shrinkage Allowance
0.5% – 2.5% (varies by metal type)

Automotive (gear housings), Aerospace (precision castings) 

Draft Angle
0.5° – 3° (depends on casting complexity)

Die Molds (tooling components), Heavy Equipment (structural parts) 

Surface Flatness
± 0.3 – ± 5 mm per meter

Industrial Machinery (machine beds), Railway (wheel hubs) 

Linear Tolerance
± 0.2 – ± 3 mm (depends on casting size)

Automotive (engine components), Aerospace (aircraft fittings) 

Hole Diameter Tolerance
0.5° - 3°

Medical Devices (implant housings), Power Generation (turbine frames) 

sand casting services

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. 

sand casting services

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. 

Inspection Techniques in Sand Casting

Visual Inspection
Parameters - Surface defects, cracks, inclusions

Value/Range  - Qualitative (manual & automated) 

Automotive (engine blocks), Machinery (pump housings) 

Dimensional Inspection
Parameters - Linear tolerances, surface flatness

Value/Range  - ± 0.2 – ± 3 mm 

Aerospace (structural components), Medical Devices (implant casings) 

Radiographic (X-ray) Inspection
Parameters - Internal defects, porosity levels

Value/Range - 1% – 5% defect sensitivity 

Aerospace (turbine blades), Power Generation (turbine housings) 

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
Parameters - Internal cracks, material density

Value/Range  - 1 – 10 MHz frequency range 

Marine (ship propellers), Heavy Machinery (gear housings) 

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
Parameters - Surface & near-surface defects

Value/Range  - Detects 0.5 mm cracks & above 

Automotive (brake calipers), Industrial Equipment (compressor bodies) 

Dye Penetrant Testing (DPT)
Parameters - Surface porosity, fine cracks

Value/Range - 0.1 mm defect detection 

Medical (surgical instruments), Aerospace (aircraft brackets) 

Hardness Testing
Parameters -Brinell, Rockwell, Vickers hardness

Value/Range  - 50 – 400 HB / 10 – 70 HRC 

Defense (armor casings), Automotive (cylinder heads) 

Tensile Testing
Parameters - Ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation

Value/Range - 100 – 900 MPa (material-dependent) 

Energy Sector (wind turbine components), Aerospace (aircraft fittings) 

Microstructure Analysis
Parameters - Grain size, phase distribution

Value/Range  - ASTM E112 standards  

High-Performance Alloys (tool steel, aerospace alloys) 

Leakage & Pressure Testing
Parameters -Internal porosity, sealing capability

Value/Range  - 0.1 – 10 bar pressure range 

Automotive (engine covers), Oil & Gas (pipeline valves) 

sand casting services
sand casting services

Industry Applications of Precision Die Casting

Automotive & EV
EV motor housings, structural battery trays, lightweight chassis components, ADAS sensor enclosures

High strength-to-weight ratio, thermal efficiency, precision 

Aerospace & Defense
UAV frames, jet engine housings, radar enclosures, missile guidance system components

Extreme durability, tight tolerances, resistance to high temperatures 

Electronics & Semiconductors
High-performance server chassis, GPU & CPU heat sinks, precision connectors, PCB shielding enclosures

Excellent EMI shielding, thermal management, miniaturization 

Medical & Biotech
MRI shielding cases, precision implantable device housings, robotic surgery components, ventilator frames

Biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, micro-scale precision 

Telecommunications & 5G
5G antenna waveguides, satellite communication housings, fiber optic enclosures

Superior signal integrity, lightweight, electromagnetic shielding 

Industrial Automation & Robotics
Servo motor housings, robotic arm joints, AI-driven sensor enclosures

High wear resistance, dimensional stability, lightweight design 

Renewable Energy & Power Grid
Wind turbine gearbox casings, high-efficiency solar inverter housings, hydrogen fuel cell components

Corrosion resistance, heat dissipation, structural reliability 

Rail & Transportation
High-speed train braking system enclosures, pantograph arms, railway signaling components

Saltwater corrosion resistance, durability in extreme environments 

Marine & Offshore
Subsea sensor housings, corrosion-resistant pump impellers, shipboard electronic casings
Saltwater corrosion resistance, durability in extreme environments
Luxury & High-End Consumer Goods
Precision smartwatch cases, camera lens mounts, premium audio equipment chassis

Aesthetic finishes, high mechanical integrity, ultra-precise detailing 

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 Gain with Us

We make your profitability and operations easier with practical approach.

sand casting services
sand casting services

↓ 7-8%

OPS COST

sand casting services

↓ 2-3%

COGM

sand casting services

3X

Aggregation

sand casting services

↑ 25%

Machinery Utilisation

sand casting services

↓ 50%

Expedition

sand casting services

↑ 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. 

sand casting services
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What Our Customers Say about Frigate

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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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