The Basic Aluminum Casting Company

Aluminum die castings have a silver color with rough edges after trim.  The surface condition and appearance is directly impacted by the condition of the die cast die that made the part.  There are a number of post-casting steps that can be taken to impact this finish.

To impact the edges and burrs on the casting, the part can be:

• Shotblasted.  The type of media impacts the finish, generally creating a rough, but even finish to the entire casting and removing flash or edges.
• Vibratory deburred.  This is a less aggressive process that removes edges from the casting while impacting the actual surface less.
• Thermal deburred.  A more expensive process that removes edges on castings effectively.
• Glass beaded.  Similar to shotblasting, but with a smoother finish.
• Plus other processes

To impact the color or appearance, castings can be:

• Painted, using a number of different processes including electro-coating or powder coating.
• Plating to give a surface coating
• Burnishing to give a high finish
• Plus other processes

All of these processes can be used to generate a casting that fits your functional needs.  Please contact Basic Aluminum to learn more.

Mark Fischer, Engineering and Quality Manager