Sand casting

Sand casting with TOS: your production partner

At TOS – Technical Outsource Solutions, we support companies in developing and producing high-quality castings. Sand casting is a versatile and flexible production technique that is ideal for both small series and larger components in various alloys.

We advise on design , material selection, and tolerances, and support you with prototyping and 3D drawings where needed. Thanks to our international network of specialized foundries, we can offer competitive prices, reliable delivery times, and a wide range of options. With TOS, you choose a single partner who manages the entire sand casting process – from design to post-processing and finishing.

Vloeibaar metaal wordt gegoten tijdens zandgietproces

Why choose TOS

Significant Cost Savings
Broad Network of Suppliers
European Quality Standards
Personal Dutch Contact Point
Expertise in Labor-intensive Processing
Vloeibaar metaal gegoten in zandmal tijdens productieproces

Sand casting at TOS: flexible and widely applicable

Sand casting is one of the oldest and most widely used casting techniques in the world. This process involves pressing a model into a sand mold, which is then filled with liquid metal. Once the metal has solidified, the sand mold is removed, leaving the cast part. Sand casting is highly flexible and suitable for a wide range of products: from small, complex parts to large castings weighing tens of kilograms.

A key advantage of sand casting is its relatively low tooling costs. This makes this casting process attractive for both small and medium-sized production runs. Furthermore, various metals and alloys can be used, such as aluminum, cast iron, and steel. This versatility makes sand casting widely applicable in sectors such as mechanical engineering, automotive, pumps, and construction.

At TOS, we provide custom sand casting solutions. Depending on the application, we recommend the right alloy, molding technique, and tolerances. After casting, components can be further refined with CNC machining such as milling, drilling, or turning, ensuring each product perfectly matches its intended use.

We also offer additional surface treatments, such as wet painting , hot-dip galvanizing , electroplating , or E-coating  , to enhance the durability and appearance of castings. Our integrated approach—from design and mold to sand casting, post-processing, and logistics—guarantees a reliable, efficient, and complete production process.

Gietijzer onderdelen na zandgieten en bewerking in serieproductie

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 sand casting

Sand casting can be used with a wide range of metals and alloys. Aluminum alloys are the most commonly used due to their low weight and excellent machinability. Cast iron is also often chosen for its excellent wear resistance and strength, while steel is used for heavy-duty structural components. At TOS, we advise which alloy is most suitable for your application, depending on the desired strength, weight, and surface finish. This ensures that every product performs optimally within the specified requirements.
Alloy Properties Strength Corrosion resistance Applications
AlSi12 (Aluminium)
Excellent castability, lightweight, good machinability
Middle
Good
Automotive, machine parts, housings
EN-GJL-250 (Cast iron)
High compressive strength, wear-resistant, good damping
High
Moderate
The pump, the engine block, the machine frames
EN-GJS-400 (Spheroidal cast iron)
Good tensile strength, toughness and fatigue resistance
High
Moderate–Good
Valves, gears, structural parts
Steel (various qualities)
Very high strength, suitable for heavy loads
Very high
Depending on alloy
Constructions, heavy machinery, lifting components
Bronze (copper alloy)
Wear-resistant, good sliding properties, corrosion-resistant
Middle
Good
Bearing housings, marine, pump parts

Advantages and disadvantages of sand casting

How we work on a sand casting project

At TOS, we employ a clear and efficient step-by-step plan for sand casting. From intake and design to series production and delivery, we guide our clients through every phase. Thanks to our experience in model making, casting techniques, and post-processing, we deliver high-quality castings in various metals and alloys, with short lead times and reliable quality .

Grote zandgietdelen verpakt in houten kist, klaar voor transport
A sand casting project always begins with an intake interview. During this meeting, we discuss the application, volumes, budget, and delivery times. This step provides a clear understanding of the client’s needs and technical requirements. By coordinating effectively from the outset, we lay the foundation for an efficient casting process and a final product that perfectly meets the client’s needs.

In sand casting, a smart design is essential. With DFM (Design for Manufacturing) advice, we optimize the model for castability, wall thicknesses, and tolerances. We also advise on the right alloy, such as aluminum, cast iron, or steel. These choices determine the quality, cost, and durability of the castings and make the process cost-efficient.

After the initial consultation and design optimization, the client receives a transparent quote. This quote details the costs for model and mold production, as well as the unit price for sand casting. We also create a clear schedule , so the client knows exactly what the lead time is and which milestones will be achieved along the way.

Sand casting requires a model that forms the basis for the sand mold. This can be made of wood, plastic, or metal, depending on the series and the level of detail. At TOS, we ensure that the model and sand mold are produced accurately, ensuring a smooth and reproducible casting process.
Before serial production begins, we perform a trial casting. This First Article Inspection (FAI) provides insight into the dimensions, tolerances, and surface quality of the initial castings. Any adjustments to the model or process are implemented immediately. This ensures that the final sand casting products fully meet the specifications.
After a successful test casting, the design freeze follows. This is the stage where all feedback is incorporated and the final specifications are established. By implementing this step, we can produce efficiently and flawlessly during series production of sand casting. This provides certainty for both the customer and our production partners.
During series production, sand castings are manufactured according to drawings and standards. Depending on the production run, this can range from small quantities to medium-sized series. Thanks to our network of foundries, we ensure consistent quality, reliable delivery times, and competitive prices. Sand casting offers flexibility for a wide range of applications and markets.

Although sand casting delivers excellent dimensional accuracy, post-processing is often required. This includes CNC milling , drilling, or turning for fit and functionality. At TOS, we efficiently coordinate these operations, ensuring that the sand castings fully meet the technical requirements and are immediately ready for assembly or end-use.

For added protection and appearance, we offer various surface treatments after sand casting. Depending on the application, castings can be blasted , powder coated , galvanized , or e-coated . This not only increases corrosion resistance but also gives the components a high-quality appearance that meets the customer’s requirements.

In the final step, the sand castings undergo visual and dimensional inspections . We also provide certificates and reports upon request. We then take care of customer-specific packaging and export preparation of the products. Thanks to our logistics services , including inventory management and customs clearance, we guarantee reliable and efficient delivery worldwide. In addition to production and processing, TOS also handles the assembly of components into complete modules. We then arrange customer-specific packaging, export documentation, and customs clearance. If desired, we keep products in stock and deliver just-in-time to you or your customer. By combining production, processing, assembly, and logistics, we take care of the entire process for you and guarantee an efficient and reliable process.

Cases

Aluminium klem uit extrusieprofiel voor het bevestigen van verkeersborden.

Aluminium Sign Clamp for Traffic Signs: Corrosion-Resistant and Ready to Install

For a client in the infrastructure sector, we developed a sustainable aluminium extrusion clamp used for the installation of traffic....

Gecoate en geassembleerde rollenframes voor akkerbouwmachines, gelast en verpakt voor levering.

Roller Frames for Arable Farming: Designed, Built & Delivered

TOS also supplies a wide range of products to the arable farming sector: from fine machining and wear parts to....

FAQ's

What exactly is sand casting?
Sand casting is a casting process in which a model is pressed into a sand mold and then filled with liquid metal. After solidification, the sand mold is removed, leaving the casting. The process is widely applicable and suitable for a wide range of alloys. Thanks to its flexibility, sand casting is used for both small, complex parts and larger castings in sectors such as mechanical engineering, automotive, and construction.
At TOS, we work with various materials for sand casting, including aluminum, cast iron, and steel. These alloys each offer their own advantages, such as low weight, strength, or wear resistance. Depending on the application, the desired mechanical properties, and the intended service life, we recommend the optimal alloy. This ensures that you receive sand castings that precisely meet your technical and economic requirements.

Because the mold costs of sand casting are relatively low, this process is particularly attractive for short runs and medium-sized series. It is therefore a cost-effective solution for customers who do not want to have expensive permanent molds made ( gravity die casting and high-pressure die casting ), but still require high-quality castings. Sand casting therefore offers an ideal balance between flexibility, quality, and price.

Yes, castings produced via sand casting can be perfectly post-processed using CNC techniques . Consider milling, turning, drilling, or tapping to achieve the correct dimensional accuracy and fit. At TOS, we ensure that the parts fully meet the required specifications after sand casting, so they are immediately ready for assembly or end use.

TOS is your complete production partner for sand casting. We manage the entire process: from model development and mold production to casting, CNC post-processing, surface treatments, and logistics . Thanks to our international network of foundries and processing partners, you benefit from competitive prices and reliable delivery times. With TOS, you have a single point of contact, clear communication, and guaranteed quality in every sand casting project.