Conex Aluminium Components supplies custom A356 aluminium gravity die castings for OEM production to drawing. A356 is an aluminium-silicon-magnesium casting alloy. Specify the required temper, mechanical properties and inspection criteria on the drawing for review.
Design for gravity die casting
A reusable metal mould is filled under gravity. Part geometry, cores and order volume affect tooling feasibility. Flag critical wall sections, draft constraints and any internal features. Mark machined faces and holes so the tooling review can account for machining stock and workholding.
Where A356 gravity die castings fit
Typical drawing-based enquiries include pump and valve housings, motor end covers, equipment brackets and structural housings. A pump housing may need a defined leak-test boundary and flat sealing land. A motor end cover may be controlled by the relationship between the bearing bore, mounting face and bolt circle. A bracket drawing should show the load path, interfaces and features that control assembly fit.
Separate as-cast and machined requirements
| Feature | What to define on the drawing |
|---|---|
| Mounting face | Datum reference, final flatness and surface finish if relevant to sealing or assembly. |
| Bore or bearing seat | Final size and fit, axis relationship to the mounting face and inspection method. |
| Threaded boss | Thread specification, minimum engagement and any limits on core shift or breakout. |
| Pressure boundary | Test medium, pressure, hold time and allowable leakage, where required. |
| Visible surfaces | Cosmetic acceptance, areas to mask and coating or finish requirements. |
From sample approval to production
Provide the expected annual volume and target lot size so the tooling and machining plan reflects the production schedule. Confirm the required temper and mechanical properties before samples are ordered, including whether acceptance is based on separately cast test bars or specimens taken from the component. If the assembly uses a gasket or bearing, include the mating drawing so Conex can review critical interfaces together.
What to include in your A356 casting RFQ
- Revision-controlled drawing and STEP model with datums and tolerances.
- Alloy, temper, finish and required material documentation.
- Machined faces, bores, threads and sealing surfaces.
- Any leak, porosity or mechanical test requirements, with acceptance criteria and locations.
- Sample quantity, annual volume and delivery schedule.
Inspection and sampling
Agree on first-article dimensions and inspection frequency before tooling release. Where porosity is critical, identify the zone and test method on the drawing. This gives the foundry and machining teams the same acceptance criteria for sample review.
Explore our aluminium gravity die casting capabilities and quality capabilities, or request an A356 casting quote.