Precision casting is one of the most commonly used methods for part production, and for excellent reason. The process allows for highly intricate castings to be made with great speed and unparalleled accuracy. However, there are countless companies all utilizing this process, so how do you choose which precision casting company is right for your business? In this article, we will break down six key factors to consider when looking for the best precision casting company.

1. Speed of Production

For all of its accuracy and efficiency, precision casting is not necessarily known for its overall speed. So, when looking for a precision casting company, asking about their project turnaround time is vital. On that note, it’s also a good idea to check their average delivery time as well. A successful precision casting company will always value quality over speed, but that doesn’t mean that you should have to wait around on your parts forever. Ask for an upfront, practical time estimate when you get your quote. 

2. Experience in Your Brand’s Field

While precision casting as a process is fairly uniform, that doesn’t mean that each precision casting company will suit the unique demands of your business. After all, the demands of the automotive industry are quite different from those of the aerospace industry, and a precision casting company specializing in each of these fields will prioritize these needs differently. When choosing the best precision casting company, it’s important that they have experience in your market. Most suppliers will make information on the key markets they service readily available, so it’s best to make sure they have a working knowledge of your business’s terminology and products. 

3. Correct Certifications for your Manufacturing Needs

Many different machine applications will require their manufacturer to have specialized certifications to guarantee they are made with the approved processes and diligence to ensure safety. Does your part require ASME certification or Nadcap? What about PEDs? Will you need chemical testing or non-destructive testing? Due diligence is incredibly important when researching which precision casting company is right for you. The majority of companies will have their certifications listed on their respective websites. While it is true that any company can outsource the testing process, ensuring that your chosen precision casting company can perform their own tests on site will save you (and them!) unnecessary time, money, and hassle.

4. Additional Services to Add Value

What if you evaluate your overall needs and find that you might need more than just parts from your precision casting company? It could be that you just need someone to manufacture and deliver a metal part to your doorstep, but it’s possible you need something a little extra. Maybe you lack metallurgy knowledge yourself. It would be important to find a precision casting company with the expertise to offer you guidance toward the specific alloy that meets your needs. You might find that some precision casting companies specialize in a specific kind of metal, yet you need parts in several different materials. Finding a precision casting company that can cover everything you need will save both time and money.

5. Lowest Total Cost vs. Quality

Many, if not all, companies will boast that they can provide the lowest cost on all parts you need. This leads to an important thing to consider: What do you value more in a precision casting company: Final price or overall quality? As with anything, there is a balance to be found between the two, they needn’t be two opposite ends of a spectrum. A great precision casting company will strive for excellence in their products and will also understand the value of their customer’s dollar. Look for a manufacturer that will meet all of your unique needs without completely breaking your budget!

6. Why Not See for Yourself?

With all of the stress and limitations of the recent pandemic, much of the face-to-face, personal quality of doing business has been lost. As we slowly return to normal as a society, you may find that you miss knowing exactly who you are doing business with. Many precision casting companies are more than happy to schedule tours of their facilities, letting you see first-hand if their standards of work and production are the right fit for your brand. Most manufacturers will be willing to answer any questions you might have about their business culture and practices. If you find you’re having doubts by the end of the tour, they might not be the best precision casting company for you!

There are many factors to consider when choosing a precision casting company. The process at Burnstein von Seelen is cast from a different mold— Let us help your manufacturing vision take shape.