Base Materials, a dynamic player in various industries, has launched a cutting-edge mass casting service in the United Kingdom, catering to the demands of near-net shape tooling or modelling. This innovative service, located at the company’s facility in Leicester, UK, offers an alternative to traditional methods involving modelling and tooling board materials combined with CNC machining.
The newly introduced service empowers Base Materials to craft single-piece, near-net-shape tools or models customized to any desired shape. This approach not only results in a seamless, ultra-smooth surface finish without visible bond or witness lines but also offers significant advantages over conventional processes. Near-net-shape casting, where a mold is designed to cast a form close to the size and shape needed for the final part, eliminates unnecessary material wastage incurred during machining, thereby reducing downstream processing costs.
John Miller, Managing Director at Base Materials, expressed enthusiasm about the new service, stating, “Casting a tool or model in one single piece with no witness or bond lines can be a key factor in some automotive and aerospace applications, where a high aesthetic finish is essential.”
This strategic move aligns with Base Materials’ commitment to providing versatile solutions, complementing their existing composite tooling board materials that undergo CNC machining. The mass casting service is particularly advantageous in industries where achieving a flawless aesthetic finish is critical, such as automotive and aerospace applications.
Miller further highlighted that the launch of this service reflects the company’s dedication to evolving its industry-leading offerings continually. The recent investment in testing facilities at their laboratory and production site in Leicester, along with the establishment of a state-of-the-art production facility in Birmingham, underscores Base Materials’ commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
The mass casting service is not limited to specific applications; it is suitable for high-temperature scenarios and complex geometric and near-net-shape forms. Base Materials offers a range of materials for mass casting applications, boasting densities ranging from 600 kg/m3 to 1,700 kg/m3. This initiative marks a significant stride in Base Materials’ commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of industrial materials and processes.