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# Aluma Cast Foundry, Inc.

Aluminum & Zinc prototype castings and low volume production

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://alumacast.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Blog

- [Updates](https://alumacast.com/updates/)
- [Aluma Cast Merits ISO 9001:2015 Certification](https://alumacast.com/aluma-cast-merits-iso-90012015-certification/) - We are pleased to announce that once again we been assessed and certified as meeting all the requirements of the ISO 9001 Certification for manufacturing and distribution of specialty aluminum, brass and zinc prototype castings for use in a broad variety of industries. Our prototyping process accurately simulates die cast components. This is our area
- [Sand castings mimic surface finish of die castings](https://alumacast.com/sand-castings-mimic-surface-finish-of-die-castings/) - Sand castings mimic surface finish of die castings.
- ["Should this feature be cast in the prototype?"](https://alumacast.com/dont-ask-can-you-cast-this-feature-instead-ask-should-this-feature-be-cast-in-the-prototype/) - Don’t ask, “Can you cast this feature?” Instead ask, “Should this feature be cast in the prototype?”
- [Are you using the right prototyping technology?](https://alumacast.com/are-you-using-the-right-prototyping-technology/) - Are you using the right prototyping technology?
- [What should your prototype cost?](https://alumacast.com/what-should-your-prototype-cost/) - What should your prototype cost?
- [Lost in translation](https://alumacast.com/lost-in-translation/) - Have you ever wondered what makes one vendor an absolutely terrific asset to your company and another vendor is just run-of-the-mill?
- [Release the part to the prototype supplier before the design is complete?](https://alumacast.com/release-the-part-to-prototype-supplier-before-the-design-is-complete/) - Release the part to prototype supplier before the design is complete?
- [Did your part overheat in prototype testing?](https://alumacast.com/part-overheats-in-prototype-testing/) - Having your part fail in prototype testing may seem like a minor catastrophe, but in reality it is a blessing in disguise.
- [Aluma Cast at the Design2Part Show 2024](https://alumacast.com/aluma-cast-at-the-design2part-show-2024/) - Come see us at the Design2Part Show at the Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, IL - Booth 223, May 8 and 9.
- [Prototyping Die Castings in Aluminum and Zinc](https://alumacast.com/prototyping-die-castings-in-aluminum-and-zinc/) - (Originally published in NADycasting 3/19/2020) A simple way to avoid the trap of using the wrong prototyping process is to ask yourself honestly why you favor one process over another.
- [How will your part be used?](https://alumacast.com/how-will-your-part-be-used/) - This is one of the most important questions to ask before beginning the prototyping process.
- [When does low volume production using the prototyping process make sense?](https://alumacast.com/when-does-low-volume-production-using-the-prototyping-process-make-sense/) - When does low volume production using the prototyping process make sense?
- [Accurate Simulation](https://alumacast.com/accurate-simulation/) - These are the two most important words in prototyping.
- [Which prototyping process is right for you?](https://alumacast.com/which-prototyping-process-is-right-for-you/) - Which prototyping process is right for you?
- [What to do when your production tooling is no longer available or functional?](https://alumacast.com/what-to-do-when-your-production-tooling-is-no-longer-available-or-functional/) - What to do when your production tooling is no longer available or functional?
- [Production determines the prototyping process](https://alumacast.com/production-determines-the-prototyping-process/) - Production determines the prototyping process
- [Enhancing Part Performance](https://alumacast.com/enhancing-part-performance/) - Enhancing part performance.
- [Do aesthetics matter in prototype castings?](https://alumacast.com/do-aesthetics-matter-in-prototype-castings/) - Do aesthetics matter in prototype castings?
- [Test your prototype in two materials with one tool](https://alumacast.com/test-your-prototype-in-two-materials-with-one-tool/) - Test your prototype in two materials with one tool.
- [Meeting the needs of structural loads in prototype](https://alumacast.com/meeting-the-needs-of-structural-loads-in-prototype/) - Meeting the needs of structural loads in prototype
- [If you want something specific, ask for it.](https://alumacast.com/if-you-want-something-specific-ask-for-it/) - If you want something specific, ask for it.
- [Casting complex geometries in prototype](https://alumacast.com/casting-complex-geometries-in-prototype/) - Casting complex geometries in prototype.
- [Is your production process locked in at start of design?](https://alumacast.com/is-your-production-process-locked-in-at-start-of-design/) - Is your production process locked in at start of design?
- [Can solidification modeling software eliminate the need for an actual prototype casting?](https://alumacast.com/can-solidification-modeling-software-eliminate-the-need-for-an-actual-prototype-casting/) - Can solidification modeling software eliminate the need for an actual prototype casting?
- [Changing part design to suit the prototype process is not necessary](https://alumacast.com/changing-part-design-to-suit-the-prototype-process-is-not-necessary/) - Changing part design to suit the prototype process is not necessary.
- [Casting draft angles in aluminum prototype castings](https://alumacast.com/casting-draft-angles-in-aluminum-prototype-castings/) - Do sand castings, when used to prototype die castings, require more draft than the eventual die castings?
- [Looking beyond the prototype](https://alumacast.com/looking-beyond-the-prototype/) - In the design stage of the process, it may not be possible to anticipate what types of changes may develop along the way during a new product introduction.
- [The art and science of sand casting](https://alumacast.com/the-art-and-science-of-sand-casting/) - The art and science of Precision Fine Grain sand casting.
- [Production quantity determines the process](https://alumacast.com/production-quantity-determines-the-process/) - The higher the quantity of parts to be produced the more production process options are available to you.
- [Meeting Time Constraints in the Prototype Process](https://alumacast.com/meeting-time-constraints-in-the-prototype-process/) - Time is always a factor in the production world, but even more so in prototype casting.
- [Turnkey Product Delivery](https://alumacast.com/turnkey-product-delivery/) - It can save you time and money if the prototyper can handle secondary machining and powder coating for you and deliver a finished product for review.
- [Using the investment casting process for your prototype](https://alumacast.com/using-the-investment-casting-process-for-your-prototype/) - Using the investment casting process for your prototype.
- [Accurately Simulate Cast Parts in the Hog-Out Process](https://alumacast.com/accurately-simulate-cast-parts-in-the-hog-out-process/) - Accurately simulate cast parts in the hog-out process.
- [When do you finalize the design of your component?](https://alumacast.com/when-do-you-finalize-the-design-of-your-component/) - When do you finalize the design of your component?
- [What drives the cost of cast prototypes?](https://alumacast.com/what-drives-the-cost-of-cast-prototypes/) - Here are some of the factors that determine the ultimate cost of your prototype.
- [Choosing the right vendor for your prototype](https://alumacast.com/choosing-the-right-vendor-for-your-prototype/) - How do you choose the right vendor for your prototype?
- [When CAD models don’t tell the whole story](https://alumacast.com/when-cad-models-dont-tell-the-whole-story/) - When CAD models don’t tell the whole story.
- [Thin-wall castings in Aluminum Prototypes](https://alumacast.com/thin-wall-castings-in-aluminum-prototypes/) - Thin wall prototype castings can present a challenge in the prototype world, but that does not mean that thin-wall parts cannot be cast.
- [Alloy heat transfer characteristics in prototyping](https://alumacast.com/alloy-heat-transfer-characteristics-in-prototyping/) - Aluminum alloys exhibit different heat transfer characteristics when die cast versus gravity cast.
- [Nanotechnology in Aluminum Prototypes](https://alumacast.com/nanotechnology-in-aluminum-prototypes/) - Nano-particles offer the potential to greatly increase the strength in aluminum prototypes.
- [Cost-effectiveness of low volume production](https://alumacast.com/cost-effectiveness-of-low-volume-production/) - When can the prototype casting process be suitable as a production casting process?
- [Understand the parameters of the prototyping process](https://alumacast.com/understand-the-parameters-of-the-prototyping-process/) - Understand the parameters of the prototyping process.
- [Do you know what design changes will cost you in the prototype process?](https://alumacast.com/do-you-know-what-design-changes-will-cost-you-in-the-prototype-process/) - Do you know what design changes will cost you in the prototype process?
- [The importance of understanding simulation in prototyping](https://alumacast.com/the-importance-of-understanding-simulation-in-prototyping/) - The importance of understanding simulation in prototyping.
- [Control the cost of the production die](https://alumacast.com/control-the-cost-of-the-production-die/) - The prototype process serves many functions, but seldom is it perceived as a way to minimize cost and save time in the production process.
- [Features that should be machined](https://alumacast.com/features-that-should-be-machined/) - In the prototyping process there are certain features on a cast part that should be machined even though they will be cast in the production process.
- [How quickly can a prototype be cast?](https://alumacast.com/how-quickly-can-a-prototype-be-cast/) - To avoid unforeseen complications that can derail a well-designed part, it is best if you work in concert with a trusted prototyper early in your design process.
- [Tweak Part Design while Prototyping Your Part](https://alumacast.com/tweak-part-design-while-prototyping-your-part/) - Tweak part design while prototyping your part.
- [Casting vs. Fabrication](https://alumacast.com/casting-vs-fabrication/) - It is not uncommon for a part to be designed for fabrication only to find that it is more economical to cast the part, especially when quantities are needed.
- [Early decisions in the design process have the greatest financial impact](https://alumacast.com/early-decisions-in-the-design-process-have-the-greatest-financial-impact/) - Early decisions in the design process have the greatest financial impact.
- [What should you do when things don’t go according to plan?](https://alumacast.com/what-should-you-do-when-things-dont-go-according-to-plan/) - The very purpose for producing a prototype is to uncover potential problems but what about problems you did not anticipate?
- [How much time will your prototype part require?](https://alumacast.com/how-much-time-will-your-prototype-part-require/) - How much time will your prototype part require? That is the nagging question, especially when it comes down to crunch time.
- [How long does it take to produce a prototype casting?](https://alumacast.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-produce-a-prototype-casting/) - How long does it take to produce a prototype casting?
- [What is the real purpose of your prototype?](https://alumacast.com/what-is-the-real-purpose-of-your-prototype/) - What is the real purpose of your prototype
- [You need how many parts by when?](https://alumacast.com/you-need-how-many-parts-by-when/) - You need how many parts by when?
- [The Designer’s Prototype Alloy Guide](https://alumacast.com/the-designers-prototype-alloy-guide/) - The Designer’s Prototype Alloy Guide
- [Problems don’t get solved in the production casting process](https://alumacast.com/problems-dont-get-solved-in-the-production-casting-process/) - Problems don’t get solved in the production casting process.
- [Is your casting the pacing item of your company’s prototype build?](https://alumacast.com/is-your-casting-the-pacing-item-of-your-companys-prototype-build/) - Is your casting the pacing item of your company’s prototype build?
- [What is your primary reason for creating the prototype?](https://alumacast.com/what-is-your-primary-reason-for-creating-the-prototype/) - What is your primary reason for creating the prototype?
- [How many castings do you really need?](https://alumacast.com/how-many-castings-do-you-really-need/) - How many castings do you really need?
- [Hog-out Prototyping Process - The Pros & Cons](https://alumacast.com/hog-out-prototyping-process-the-pros-cons/) - A hog-out may, in certain situations, be a quicker way to create a prototype that will ultimately be die cast. But, like any other metal prototyping process hog-outs offer distinct advantages in certain cases and disadvantages in others.
- [Selecting the Prototyping Process right for your Application](https://alumacast.com/selecting-the-prototyping-process-right-for-your-application/) - Selecting the prototyping process right for your application.
- [When do you really need the part?](https://alumacast.com/when-do-you-really-need-the-part/) - Virtually all prototypes are exceedingly time sensitive, some more so than others.When do you really need the part?
- [Determine your prototype quantity requirements.](https://alumacast.com/determine-your-prototype-quantity-requirements/) - Determine your prototype quantity requirements.
- [The production alloy may not necessarily be the right alloy for your prototypes.](https://alumacast.com/the-production-alloy-may-not-necessarily-be-the-right-alloy-for-your-prototypes/) - The production alloy may not necessarily be the right alloy for your prototypes.

## Pages

- [Aluma Cast Foundry, Inc. – Aluminum & Zinc Prototype Casting](https://alumacast.com/) - Aluma Cast Foundry specializes in aluminum and zinc prototype castings. We offer a unique blend of engineering expertise you can lean on to get the job done.
- [Casting Tips](https://alumacast.com/casting-tips-2/) - section-1adb629 How will your part be used?When does low volume production using the prototyping process make sense?Accurate SimulationWhich prototyping process is right for you?What to do when your production tooling is no longer available or functional?Production determines the prototyping processEnhancing Part PerformanceDo aesthetics matter in prototype castings?Test your prototype in two materials with one toolMeeting
- [Contact Us](https://alumacast.com/contact-us/) - section-665b2ae Contact Us Got a question? I'm interested in getting a quote on a project
- [Services](https://alumacast.com/services/) - Every day at Aluma Cast is unique as we put our skills to work to cast prototypes that meet stringent and varied requirements.
- [Get the Aluma Cast Designer's Guide](https://alumacast.com/aluma-cast-guide/) - A design engineer's guide to how prototyping affects the outcome of a design, the issues involved, and the importance of selecting the right prototyping method.
- [Checklists](https://alumacast.com/checklists/) - Things to remember as you venture into rapid prototyping and tooling, or prepare to meet with your prototype casting supplier.
- [About Us](https://alumacast.com/about-us/) - Every day at Aluma Cast is unique as we put our skills to work to cast prototypes that meet stringent and varied requirements.

## Sliders

- [Aluma Cast Homepage](https://alumacast.com/fw-slider/homepage/)
- [Homepage](https://alumacast.com/fw-slider/auto-draft/)
- [Home Alt](https://alumacast.com/fw-slider/auto-draft-copy/)

## Services

- [Thin Wall Aluminum Prototype Castings](https://alumacast.com/service/thin-wall-casting/) - Thin-wall prototype castings can present a challenge.
- [Complex Geometries Prototype Castings](https://alumacast.com/service/complex-casting/) - The Aluma Cast process supports undercuts advantageous for casting prototype parts with complex geometries.
- [Low Volume Production](https://alumacast.com/service/low-volume-production/) - When does Low Volume Production using the Prototyping Process make sense?
- [Special Needs Prototype Castings](https://alumacast.com/service/special-casting/) - Tell us about your out of the ordinary requirements for your prototype casting project. We master new challenges every day. Whether it’s size, complexity or any other unique critical factor, we are ready to help you find a satisfactory solution.

## Team members

- [James Y. <mark>Clarke</mark>](https://alumacast.com/member/james-y-clarke/) - section-414c2a3 My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-a4f60c4 My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-5e0918a My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-0e9e9bf My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown metal worker section-4460149 My Colleagues colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown metal
- [Peter A. <mark>Riley</mark>](https://alumacast.com/member/peter-a-riley/) - section-345810f My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-a4f60c4 My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-5e0918a My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-0e9e9bf My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown metal worker section-4460149 My Colleagues colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown metal
- [Michael S. <mark>Lawson</mark>](https://alumacast.com/member/michael-s-lawson/) - section-349dfc8 My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-a4f60c4 My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-5e0918a My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-0e9e9bf My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown metal worker section-4460149 My Colleagues colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown metal
- [Robert M. <mark>Todd</mark>](https://alumacast.com/member/robert-m-todd/) - section-df2f4f6 My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-a4f60c4 My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-5e0918a My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-0e9e9bf My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown metal worker section-4460149 My Colleagues colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown metal
- [Steven R. <mark>Culler</mark>](https://alumacast.com/member/steven-r-culler/) - section-eda8ad5 My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-a4f60c4 My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-5e0918a My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-0e9e9bf My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown metal worker section-4460149 My Colleagues colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown metal
- [Nicholas D. <mark>Brown</mark>](https://alumacast.com/member/nicholas-d-brown/) - section-a4f60c4 My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-5e0918a My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown Packaging worker section-0e9e9bf My Colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown metal worker section-4460149 My Colleagues colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown metal worker section-f3bd2b4 My Colleagues colleagues Weldo Metal Fabrication Nicholas D. Brown

## Categories

- [Casting Tips from Aluma Cast](https://alumacast.com/category/tips/)
- [Aluma Cast News & Updates](https://alumacast.com/category/news/)