Frequently Asked Questions

To provide a firm quotation we require the following:

• A 3D model
• A 2D Drawing
• Your projected yearly volume (if uncertain we can base the quote on multiple scenarios)
• Any finishing requirements needed, including surface treatments (e.g. powder coat, anodizing, etc.)

Please note, if you don't have all of these requirements when you request a quote, we can still provide a ballpark estimate. Please contact us to discuss further.

1. Where machining is required, sufficient metal for required cuts must be accounted for
2. Designing with sufficient draft is necessary for all surfaces that are to be ejected.
3. When possible, use ribs to attain maximum strength, minimum weight.
4. Sections should be as uniform as possible. When this is not possible make transitions gradual to avoid stress concentration.
5. Avoid unnecessary projections and keep shapes simple.
6. Designing cores that withdraw easily avoids complicated die construction and operation.
7. Small cores are undesirable as they can be easily bent or broken. Drilling small holes in die castings can often be cheaper than the cost of maintaining small cores.
8. Callout coring for holes or recesses where savings in metal and overall costs outweigh tooling costs.
9. Avoid use of undercuts that will increase tooling or operating costs unless metal savings or other advantages can justify the added cost.
10. Typically, fillets should be placed at all inside corners and avoid sharp outside corners.
11. Account for location of ejector pins in the design.
12. Inserts should have proper anchorage to retain them in the die casting.
13. Flash removal costs can be lowered with design consideration.
14. dimensional tolerances should be at the essential limits, not lower -This can increase costs.
15. Design die castings to minimize post machining.

Our Tonnage range is 300T to 900T which means that our capacity ranges from parts weighing 1g up to 30 pounds.

We provide the following finishing options:

• Drilling and tapping
• Trimming
• Manual grinding
• Vibratory deburring
• Turn blasting
• Powder coating
• Painting
• Anodizing
• Chromating
• Plating
• CNC Machining
• Assembly

Our machining capabilities include the following:

• Machining envelope of up to 48” x 24” x 24”
• Automatic pallet changers and extremely fast tool changers to reduce machining times
• 4th axis capability to eliminate the need to reposition parts

Yes. Simalex has shipped parts across Canada, USA, Mexico, Europe and Asia.

Simalex has 4 toolmakers on staff for maintenance but tooling is produced by our partners in Canada, The US and Overseas to meet customer requirements.

One of the strengths of die casting is the ability to leverage a variety of alloys in the process according to the needs of the part. Read more about when to choose which here.

Tooling costs can range significantly from $5000 to $250,000+.

If you’d like a ballpark figure, please use our contact form and tell us your approximate volumes with a drawing/model or rough dimensional size and weight.

For some customers we produce a few hundred pieces per year – some parts run at over 1 million units yearly. We typically insist that Die Cast tooling has to pay for itself in 2 years or less to be a viable consideration.

Simalex has a long history of receiving inherited tooling. It is important for us to work together before making a decision to move a tool to make for a smooth transition and uncover any potential related costs ahead of time.

Yes, Simalex always maintains up to date ISO 9001 certification.

Yes, we are happy to simply provide the castings and allow you to manage your secondary processes as you see fit.

Mold Flow Analysis is completed on all tooling before manufacturing begins.