Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out what sand casting services each company provides

Some companies specialize in creating simple pieces, while others use a mixture of semi-permanent molds and sand to create intricate designs and shapes within the part. You may come across a company that specializes in green sand casting, which uses sand mixed with clay to form a binder, or they may add chemicals and binding agents and then bake the mold before adding the metal. The designer should be able to help you through the process and provide you with a prototype before trying to fill the rest of your order.

I recommend: Find out what types of sand casting material are going into the production of your pieces. Ballard Brass and Aluminum, Inc., has three different casting processes that vary according to your specific needs, while companies like Perfection Moulders prefer to use green sand casting methods.

Ask about the other services your sand casting provider offers

It doesn't make sense to go from one place to another trying to get your part ready to be shipped or used, so many sand casting companies now offer a wide variety of finishing services for one-stop shopping. These could include things like painting, powder coating, plating, bar coding and packaging.

I recommend: Get the services list from your sand caster before making a decision. One-stop shops like the G & W Foundry and Chicago Aluminum Casting Co. are good places to start.

Make sure that the sand casting company can handle your order

If you have a small business, you may not have the volume of orders needed to make the cut for some sand cast molders, so it's important to get the details before settling on one specific company. It's also important to ask about the different types of metal available, as some may specialize in aluminum or zinc, but you may need bronze.

I recommend: Find a foundry that can work with you on the size of your order. If you have a short or medium-size run, check out Leitelt Brothers, Inc. If you have a large-scale order, you're better off talking to companies like Riverside Brass or C & L Aluminum Foundry.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find out the process and methods each sand casting company uses for quality control. They should check the parts periodically to make sure that they conform to the original prototype, since sand molds tend to be just slightly bigger than the end result and can change over time.