Permanent mold casting

Shell casting with TOS: your production partner

At TOS – Technical Outsource Solutions, we support companies in the production of high-quality castings using gravity die casting. This casting method allows for the creation of precise and strong components in aluminum and other non-ferrous metals. Due to the higher dimensional accuracy and smooth surfaces, less post-processing is often required than with sand casting .

We advise you at every stage: from design, material selection, and tolerances to series production and finishing. Thanks to our international network of specialized foundries, you benefit from competitive prices, short delivery times, and flexible production runs. TOS is your complete partner for mold design, production, and surface treatment.

Gieter giet gesmolten aluminium handmatig in een metalen coquille bij TOS

Why choose TOS

Significant Cost Savings
Broad Network of Suppliers
European Quality Standards
Personal Dutch Contact Point
Expertise in Labor-intensive Processing
Aluminium gietstukken na het coquillegieten, verzameld in krat bij TOS

What is shell casting and what options does TOS offer?

Gravity die casting is a casting process in which liquid metal is poured into a permanent metal mold (the mold). The result is parts with high dimensional accuracy and a smooth surface, while tooling costs remain significantly lower than with high-pressure die casting. This process is particularly suitable for aluminum alloys, but copper alloys can also be used successfully. Thanks to its combination of detail, strength, and durability, gravity die casting is ideal for a wide range of applications, such as engine parts, structural profiles, and machine components.

At TOS, we support our customers in material selection and ensure a design that optimally aligns with the casting process. After casting, the parts can be further refined, if necessary, with CNC post-processing , such as milling, turning, or drilling. For added protection and appearance, we also offer various surface treatments, including blasting , anodizing , and powder coating . 

With our integrated approach—from design and mold production to casting, post-processing, and logistics —you have a single point of contact and a complete production process under one roof. This means you benefit from efficient lead times, reliable quality, and competitive prices. TOS is your partner for high-quality castings using gravity die casting.

How we work

First acquaintance

During this conversation we will briefly explain what we can do for you and answer your questions.

Price research

Based on your product and requirements, we request prices and delivery times from various suppliers.

Quotation and agreement

We will then prepare a clear quote. Prices are quoted based on your terms and conditions.

Prototype and approval

Once you have approved our proposal, we will start making a prototype.

Quality control and delivery

After approval of the prototype, the assignment will begin.

Materials and alloys for shell casting

Gravity die casting offers many possibilities in terms of materials and alloys. The process is often used for aluminum alloys due to their favorable strength-to-weight ratio, good machinability, and high corrosion resistance. Copper alloys, such as bronze and brass, are also suitable for gravity die casting. These materials yield castings with excellent wear resistance, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties. The use of a metal mold creates a fine grain structure and a smooth surface, ensuring high-quality and precise products. TOS advises you on selecting the right alloy and combines this with an efficient casting process for durable and reliable results.

Alloy Properties Strength Corrosion resistance Applications
AlSi7Mg
Good castability, corrosion resistant
Middle
Good
Automotive, mechanical engineering
AlSi10Mg
Constructions, transport, aviation
High
Good
Heavy constructions, tools
Copper alloy (bronze)
Copper alloy (bronze)
Middle
Good
Bearing housings, pump parts

Advantages and disadvantages of shell casting

How we work on a shell casting project

At TOS, we employ a clear and efficient step-by-step process for gravity die casting. From intake to delivery, we guide our clients through every phase. Thanks to our expertise in mold design, trial castings, and series production, we create high-quality castings in aluminum and copper alloys, with short lead times and reliable quality.
Gestapelde aluminium onderdelen geproduceerd via coquillegieten bij TOS
Every gravity die casting project begins with a comprehensive intake. Together with the client, we discuss the product’s application, desired volumes, available budget, and delivery time. This first step is crucial for setting the right expectations and determining the necessary technical requirements and tolerances. This lays the foundation for an efficient production process and a final result that fully meets the client’s needs.

At TOS, we always critically examine the design before starting gravity die casting. Using DFM (Design for Manufacturing), we advise on optimizations in wall thickness, draft angles, and detail level. We also support the selection of the right alloy, such as AlSi7Mg or AlSi10Mg. A smart combination of design and material selection ensures lower production costs, a shorter lead time, and high-quality castings.

After the intake and DFM consultation, the customer receives a transparent quote for gravity die casting. This quote clearly details both the mold production costs and the unit prices. We also provide an indicative schedule for the entire process: from the design of the gravity die to series production. This way, the customer knows exactly what to expect, both technically and financially.

A successful series in gravity die casting starts with a good mold design. Our engineers develop the permanent metal mold with an eye for detail, cooling, and release. Thanks to our international network of foundries and mold makers, we can respond quickly and offer competitive prices. Once the design is approved, the mold is produced and tested, so it is immediately ready for trial casting. Often, before the mold is started, we 3D print models that we offer for review.

Before we begin serial production, we always perform a trial casting. During this First Article Inspection (FAI), the initial castings are carefully inspected for dimensions, tolerances, and surface quality. Any adjustments to the mold or process are implemented immediately. This step in gravity die casting guarantees that the final product precisely meets the agreed-upon specifications and prevents surprises during serial production.
After a successful trial casting, the design freeze follows. In this phase, all improvement points are addressed and the final specifications are established. From this point, series production can begin without any further design or process changes. This provides clarity and certainty for both the customer and the manufacturer. The design freeze therefore represents a significant milestone in the gravity die casting process.
During serial production, castings are manufactured according to drawings and quality standards. Gravity die casting creates a fine grain structure and a smooth surface, allowing the components to combine high mechanical properties with a sleek appearance. Whether for small or large series, at TOS we ensure a stable and reproducible process, with reliable delivery times and competitive prices.

Although gravity die casting often achieves high dimensional accuracy, post-processing is often necessary, such as milling, turning, tapping, or drilling, to achieve the correct fit and functionality. At TOS, we have the right partners and techniques to perform CNC post-processing efficiently and cost-effectively. This allows the castings to be fully finished to size and immediately ready for assembly or mounting.

For added protection and appearance, castings can be surface-treated after gravity die casting. Depending on the application, we offer various options, such as anodizing for aluminum and powder coating for a durable finish. These treatments not only improve corrosion resistance but also give the products a high-quality appearance that complements the customer’s application.

In the final step, we ensure that the castings fully meet the specified requirements. Each component undergoes a visual and dimensional quality inspection , with certificates and reports available upon request. We then package the components entirely according to customer specifications and prepare them for export. Thanks to our logistics solutions , including inventory management and customs clearance, TOS can deliver quickly and reliably – directly to the customer or anywhere worldwide.

Cases

Sand Casting and Machining of Iron Wheels

For a client in the heavy transport sector, we produced an iron wheel for high-load trailers, sand-cast in GG25 gray....

RVS wegdeknagels met symbolen en cijfers, geproduceerd via verloren-was gieten.

Custom Stainless Steel Wedge Nails: Smart Design for Lower Mold Costs

For a regular customer, we produced a series of stainless steel road nails used to mark walking and cycling routes.....

FAQ's

What is shell casting?

Gravity die casting is a casting process in which liquid metal is poured into a permanent metal mold, also called a die. Because the metal solidifies in a hard mold, a casting is created with high dimensional accuracy and a smooth surface. Gravity die casting is ideal for parts that require greater strength and precision than sand casting, but where the volume requirements do not justify a high-pressure die . At TOS, we use gravity die casting for a wide range of applications, from machine components to structural profiles.

Gravity die casting primarily uses non-ferrous metals. In practice, aluminum alloys such as AlSi7Mg and AlSi10Mg are the most commonly used due to their favorable strength-to-weight ratio and good corrosion resistance. Copper alloys, such as bronze and brass, are also excellently suited for gravity die casting. At TOS, we advise clients on the optimal alloy for their application, ensuring that the castings meet all technical and economic requirements.
Gravity die casting is particularly attractive for medium-sized production runs. The process offers an excellent balance between production costs, dimensional accuracy, and surface quality. While sand casting can be cost-effective for one-offs and high-pressure die casting is suitable for mass production, gravity die casting offers the ideal intermediate solution. Customers who choose gravity die casting from TOS benefit from competitive prices, short lead times, and high-quality castings that are ready for immediate use.

Although gravity die casting already ensures high precision, many products undergo further processing after casting. At TOS, we offer CNC post-processing services such as milling, turning, tapping, and drilling, ensuring parts meet exact specifications. In addition, castings can be finished after gravity die casting with surface treatments such as anodizing, powder coating, or galvanizing. This not only enhances the functionality and lifespan but also the aesthetics of the final product.

TOS is your complete production partner for gravity die casting. We support customers from the initial consultation and design phase to the production of the gravity die, trial castings, series production, and all post-processing. Thanks to our international network of specialized foundries, we can guarantee competitive prices and short lead times. We also offer additional services such as logistics, inventory management , and quality control . With TOS, you choose a single point of contact, clear communication, and reliable quality for every gravity die casting project.