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Zinc Die Cast
A Comparison of Manufacturing Methods
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Characteristic
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MIM
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Investment Cast
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Powdered Metal
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Machining
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Zinc Die Casting
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Screw Machine
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Die Composition
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Tool Steel
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Aluminum
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Tool Steel
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N/A
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Tool Steel
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N/A
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Die Cost
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Highest
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Low
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Low
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Low
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Moderate
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Lowest
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Die Life
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Highest
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High
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High
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High
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Highest
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High
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Die Development Time (P. O. to sample)
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10-18 wks
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4-10 wks
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8-12 wks
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2-4 wks
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10-18 wks
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2-4 wks
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Die Modification Costs ($)
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High
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Low
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Moderate
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Low
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Moderate
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Low
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Section Thickness (Minimum)
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0.01
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0.08
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0.04
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0.005
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0.03
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0.02
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Surface Finish
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Very good
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Good
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Good
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Best
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Very good
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Best
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Alloy Selectivity
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Excellent
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Excellent
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Excellent
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Excellent
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Limited
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Excellent
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Alloy Cost
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High
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High
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Moderate
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Moderate
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Lowest
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Moderate
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Density
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Excellent
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Very good
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Fair
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Excellent
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Good
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Excellent
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Heat Treatable
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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No
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Yes
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Dimensional Stability
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Excellent
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Excellent
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Excellent
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Excellent
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Excellent
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Excellent
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Insert Capable
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Yes
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Yes
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No
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No
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Yes
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No
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Net Shape Capability
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Excellent
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Very good
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Fair
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Very good
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Excellent
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Good
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High Volume Production Capability
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Excellent
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Very Good
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Excellent
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Very Good
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Excellent
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Very good
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Sheet
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