Choosing the Best Material for Your Rapid Casting Project

Want to make the most of your rapid casting project? Start by choosing the best-fitting 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.

Material Overview

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 on the MakerVerse platform and our experts will follow up.