Improved precision drives makers to highlight better techniques than commonly used sand casting. Output of investment types are in an upturn as well.

Mainland China manufacturers of cast metal parts stay focused on enhancing product precision, spurring them to boost the release of die-cast and investment units. The types have advantages of greater dimensional accuracy and better surface finish than sand-cast kinds, which currently represent about 70 percent of yield. Based on tolerance, the first two boast CT5 to CT7 and CT4 to CT6, respectively, compared with the last’s CT7 to CT10.

Casting Aluminum Parts Suppliers Sales

Suppliers such as B&E Precision (HK) Ltd and Ningbo Fausto Industry Ltd concentrate on die-cast models. To ensure high precision, they use advanced equipment. B&E has eight 250 to 500-ton machines, including seven horizontal units from Toshiba and one vertical version from Taiwan. Both suppliers anticipate the subcategory’s sales will rise by 20 to 30 percent and 10 percent in 2015.

At Qingdao Donrex Co. Ltd, investment parts account for about half of turnout.

Besides the shift emphasis on casting methods, the local industry is looking to expand its selection of materials. Although low-cost gray iron is still adopted in about half of output, the shares of ductile iron and aluminum units are increasing. The last, in particular, rose by nearly 17 percent in 2013, fueled by demand primarily from the automotive sector owing to the input’s lightweight feature.

Specializing in die-cast aluminum parts, B&E therefore plans to bolster yield by 20 to 30 percent, and anticipates the same growth rate in revenue.

At present, the vehicle and pipes and fittings sectors are the key markets. These represented about 27 and 13 percent of production in 2013. The construction, mining and oil, railroad, machinery, consumer electronics and home appliances segments are the other applications. The last two have a share of less than 5 percent.

Demand uptick in these industries will ensure sustained growth for the local category. Companies look forward to a 5 percent annual boost in output.

The mainland is the largest manufacturing base of cast metal parts, generating more than 40 percent of global yield.

Exports have less than 5 percent portion of local turnout.

There are about 30,000 companies with a 2 million-strong workforce in the mainland. The Yangtze River and Pearl River Delta regions and the Bohai Bay Rim Economic Region are the key hubs.

The maker pool is expected to decrease to 20,000 by end-2015 and further to 10,000 in 2020 as the government institutes reforms for the sector’s sustained development.

Various metal, casting used

In addition to gray and ductile iron and aluminum, suppliers adopt stainless, carbon and special alloy steel, and various nonferrous materials.

Sand-cast units made of different types of metal are typically used in large components. Die-cast versions employ nonferrous inputs such as copper, aluminum and magnesium-based alloys. More-expensive investment parts come in a variety of complex alloys, and target small and elevated-temperature applications.

The options for surface treatment include cleaning, polishing, plating, painting and spraying.

Companies accommodate specifications on materials, cast tolerance, dimensions and surface treatment. They usually turn to local providers for the first, sourcing from foreign providers in Japan and Germany on request only.

Competition is expected to keep prices stable in the months ahead despite increasing labor outlay and the yuan appreciation.

Related report: Electronic instrument enclosures: Companies highlight in-house capability

Product Gallery of China Aluminum Die Casting Parts

B&E Precision (HK) Ltd (China)

Model: 061203-01-000 MOQ: 1,000 pieces Delivery: 20 days Description: For heating, ventilating, air-conditioning systems; A360 aluminum alloy; die-cast, CNC-machined; porosity-free; RoHS

Dalian Zhong Sheng Metal Products Co. Ltd (China)

Model: DZS001 MOQ: 100 pieces Delivery: 45 days Description: EN-GJL-200 or GG-20 gray iron; black paint finish; 2.5kg

Ningbo Fausto Industry Ltd (China)

Model: FA-CAH-0001 MOQ: 500 pieces Delivery: 30 days Description: Home appliance housing; 6061-T6 aluminum alloy; machined; determined surface finish; OEM/ODM, RFQ orders accepted

Qingdao Donrex Co. Ltd (China)

Model: DRDC-003W MOQ: 100kg Delivery: 25 days Description: Heat sink; A380 aluminum alloy; die-cast; 150x150x90mm; 650g