Capabilities
Casting, Forging, Machining & Secondary Operations
Process selection organized around part performance, material requirements, and production needs — not around what's convenient to quote.
Processes
Full process coverage from casting to finish
Oakmet supports the casting, forging, and machining processes most commonly required for high-specification industrial components. Each program is reviewed for process fit before production.
Investment Casting
Details →Near-net-shape casting for complex geometries, tight tolerances, and high-performance alloys including nickel, titanium, and duplex stainless.
Best For
- Complex internal geometry
- Tight dimensional tolerances
- High-performance alloys
Common Materials
- Nickel alloys (Inconel 718, 625)
- Duplex & super duplex stainless
- Stainless steels (17-4PH, 316, CF8M)
Forging (Hot & Cold)
Details →Wrought metal forging for maximum mechanical performance, grain flow integrity, and fatigue resistance across structural applications.
Best For
- High mechanical property requirements
- Fatigue-critical applications
- Directional grain flow control
Common Materials
- Carbon and alloy steels (4140, 4340)
- Stainless steels (316, 17-4PH)
- Nickel alloys (Inconel 718, 625)
Precision CNC Machining
Details →Multi-axis CNC machining for tight-tolerance components from bar stock, plate, or machined-from-casting near-net blanks.
Best For
- Tight dimensional tolerances
- Complex contoured geometry
- Machined-from-wrought components
Common Materials
- Stainless steels (316L, 17-4PH, 15-5PH)
- Nickel alloys (Inconel 625, 718, Hastelloy C276)
- Titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V, CP Ti)
Die Casting
Details →High-volume casting for aluminum, zinc, and magnesium components requiring precise dimensions and excellent surface finish.
Best For
- High production volumes
- Aluminum and zinc alloys
- Thin walls and fine detail
Common Materials
- Aluminum alloys (A380, A383, ADC12)
- Zinc alloys (Zamak 3, 5)
- Magnesium alloys (AZ91D)
Sand Casting
Details →Flexible casting process for large, complex parts across a broad alloy range with lower tooling investment.
Best For
- Large or heavy components
- Low-to-medium volumes
- Wide alloy flexibility
Common Materials
- Gray and ductile iron
- Carbon and alloy steels
- Stainless steels
Finishing & Secondary Operations
Details →Coordinated secondary operations including heat treatment, NDT, surface finishing, and assembly to deliver fully processed components.
Best For
- Full supply chain consolidation
- Components requiring multiple post-process steps
- Reducing in-house processing burden
Common Materials
- All supported casting, forging, and machining alloys
Process Comparison
Which process fits your part?
Use this table as a starting point for process selection. Final recommendations depend on part geometry, material, volume, and tolerance requirements.
| Process | Strengths | Typical Volume | Typical Materials | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Casting | Complex geometry, tight tolerances, high-performance alloys | 50 – 50,000+ pcs/yr | Nickel, Titanium, Duplex SS, Stainless | Valve bodies, turbine parts, complex structural castings |
| Die Casting | High volume, excellent surface finish, dimensional precision | 5,000 – 500,000+ pcs/yr | Aluminum, Zinc, Magnesium | Automotive, enclosures, heat sinks, high-volume housings |
| Sand Casting | Large parts, broad alloy range, low tooling cost | 1 – 10,000 pcs/yr | Iron, Steel, Copper, Aluminum, Nickel | Heavy equipment, valve bodies, gearboxes, prototypes |
| Hot Forging | Maximum strength, grain flow, fatigue resistance | 100 – 100,000+ pcs/yr | Steel, Nickel, Titanium, Stainless, Duplex | Flanges, structural members, safety-critical components |
| Cold Forging | Excellent surface finish, tight tolerances, high strength | 1,000 – 500,000+ pcs/yr | Aluminum, Carbon Steel, Stainless (limited) | Fasteners, connectors, small structural parts |
| CNC Machining | Tight tolerances, complex geometry, broad material support | 1 – 10,000 pcs/yr | All engineering metals | Precision parts, prototypes, finish machining of cast/forged blanks |
Not sure which process is right? Submit your drawing and we will provide process recommendations as part of our review.
Program Approach
How Oakmet approaches each capability program
Drawing & Specification Review
We review your drawing, material spec, and tolerance requirements before recommending a process. Manufacturability feedback is provided as part of the review.
Process & Supplier Alignment
Based on part requirements, we identify the appropriate process and qualified manufacturing partner. Supplier history in similar alloys and geometries is considered.
Sampling & First Article
Sample production is coordinated with inspection and documentation. First article inspection reports are provided before production release.
Production & Quality Oversight
Production is managed with defined quality checkpoints, in-process inspection, and pre-shipment review. Documentation is prepared before delivery.
FAQ
Capabilities — frequently asked questions
How do I know which process is right for my part?
Submit your drawing with your RFQ. Oakmet reviews geometry, material, tolerance, and volume before recommending investment casting, forging, sand casting, die casting, or CNC machining — process selection is part of the review, not something you have to decide upfront.
Can one program combine multiple processes?
Yes — for example, an investment-cast or forged blank finish-machined to final tolerance is a common combination. Oakmet coordinates multi-process programs under a single point of contact.
What volumes can you support?
Prototype and low-volume programs through production volumes are supported, depending on process. Investment casting and CNC machining are practical from very low quantities; die casting and cold forging are better suited to medium-to-high volumes.
Ready to submit your RFQ?
Send your drawing, material or process requirements, and program details. Oakmet will review and respond with next-step feedback.