casting parts... anybody have a source?

[Krawler00]

Got a guy I deal with that wants to get some parts made for vintage mustangs and need to see if anyone has a reference for getting some done. He only needs a few dozen and they appear to be aluminum. Pics attached...

I can get more pics if needed.

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[DOUG]

I know a guy in South Carolina but his minimum is 1000 pieces or the setup charge would be crazy high.

Sent off camber

[Krawler00]

Yeah, I figured the quantities would kill his thoughts. Same goes for my china sources...

[kvom]

He needs two or three separate "sources" for those parts.

First, someone will need to make 3D CAD drawings of the parts, and then expand the dimensions to account for shrinkage that occurs as the metal cools.  As well, all surfaces need slight draft angles added.

Second, the 3D model then needs to be 3D printed in two plastic halves, and each half mounted to a match plate.  The match plates are used to form the individual halves in the sand molds.  The draft angles in the vertical surfaces are needed to allow the parts to be removed from the sand without tearing.  One the bottom part you can see the casting sprue line which indicates how the halves were oriented in the mold.

The making of the molds from the match plates and the casting of the aluminum parts are done by the 3rd source, the foundry.  There is a foundry in PA run by Amish that I know does small run parts for live steam railroad parts, and there are companies who can take 3D models online and print the parts.

The castings will require subsequent machining.

So this is a pretty expensive undertaking.

[kvom]

I would add that if he's after function and not an exact reproduction, both parts could be machined from solids for a lot less money.

[DOUG]

I would add that if he's after function and not an exact reproduction, both parts could be machined from solids for a lot less money.

I think this is the best route

Sent off camber

[bjeep]

D&J Manufacturing. They are in GA. They do small orders. But as KVOM said you have to have
the molds.