In the prototyping process there are things that can be done to give you sufficient quantities of production castings without breaking the bank.
If you need to get production parts quickly, then low volume production of parts by your prototype supplier can be a viable solution. You will have to weigh the benefits of having production parts on time versus holding up production.
The per-part cost can vary substantially in low volume production depending upon the prototype supplier’s process. Some prototyping processes are prohibitively expensive to consider for low volume runs. But even if you think you will not need a small volume of production parts it is worthwhile to discuss this possibility with your prototype supplier up front. Your prototype supplier should be able to offer you cost references so that you are prepared if the need arises.
The prototype casting process becomes suitable as a production casting process when the overall quantities you require do not justify the cost of expensive production tooling. Depending upon the size and complexity of the casting quantities of 300 to 500 castings a year is generally the volume that is cost-effective in Aluma Cast Foundry’s fine-grain sand casting process.