Importing Aluminum Die Castings from China
Aluminum die castings are lightweight, have superior corrosion resistance, and provide excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. They can retain their strength while withstanding high operating temperatures, making them a wise option for a variety of applications, particularly in the automotive, computing, electronics, and technology industries.
For example, aluminum die castings are invaluable in the construction of smartphones as they provide shielding from heat and electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference RFI) which can cause malfunctions in electronic devices. The rigidity, durability, and light weight of aluminum also makes these die castings a desirable component for handheld devices, as well as networking and computer infrastructure equipment.
Types of Aluminum Die Castings
Whatever your aluminum die casting need, your international trade manager will be able to recommend an offshore manufacturer who can provide the desired product. One of the most common aluminum alloys is A380, used most often in the manufacturing of electronic equipment, engine brackets, hand tools, and even household furniture. Aluminum 413 is also used for a wide variety of products, offering similar benefits to A380 such as a strong combo of casting, mechanical, and thermal properties and resistance to cracking under heat.
Highly intricate components that require aluminum die castings may depend on aluminum 383, which offers dimensional stability as well as some of the most superior corrosion resistance and ease of casting.
Ordering Prototypes of Aluminum Die Castings
When importing aluminum die castings from China or the Pacific Rim, it’s often necessary to request a small order of prototypes to share with potential customers or clients before needing to place a large order. It is possible to place a prototype order with an offshore manufacturer first without being obligated to promise a large order in the future.
To get the kind of quality prototype you want, it’s important to seek out a reputable, trustworthy aluminum die cast manufacturer. Expect an upstanding company to charge 100 percent up-front for tooling, and anticipate a prototype cost that will be more than the cost for the minimum order quantity production run of the item. This type of service makes it possible for the importer to market their item, create demand, and return to the manufacturer with orders that will, ideally, meet or beat the factory’s minimum order quantity.
Timeline for Importing Aluminum Die Castings Manufactured in China
Once a prototype order for aluminum die castings has been placed, you can expect tooling to take approximately four weeks. The manufacture of the samples is likely to take an additional one to two weeks. Shipping of the sample may require an additional week, typically by FedEx. Total, it’s necessary to allow about seven to eight weeks for the actual receipt of the aluminum die casting prototypes from China.
Ordering a prototype of aluminum die castings in anticipation of a larger order is actually a wise move for any importer. When the time comes to order a larger number of aluminum die castings, the chosen factory will be ready to start production since the tooling will have already been paid for and completed.
Importing Aluminum Die Castings and Anti-Dumping Laws
Anti-dumping is naturally a concern for any company or individual importing aluminum die castings from China. To be clear, anti-dumping laws are imposed by the Department of Commerce to protect United States industry from foreign imports being sold in the country priced at below fair market value.
Anti-dumping rulings target particular exporters, rather than aluminum as an entire product category. You can avoid concerns about anti-dumping tariffs and countervailing duties by enlisting the service of an international trade management company that is aligned with manufacturers who are not subject to such duties and who are not known for their predatory pricing.
Enhancing the Offshore Design of an Aluminum Die Casting
There are no doubt aluminum die castings that can be made in the United States at a premium, and also with engineer input. But it’s important to know that choosing an offshore manufacturer isn’t a blind endeavor. If you are seeking an offshore manufacturer to create an aluminum die castings prototype, be assured that improvements can be made on the item even if you’re working with someone in a different time zone who speaks a different language. Offshore factories employ experts who provide ideas for improving a product before creating a prototype.
In order to get this sort of service, align yourself with an international trade manager that has established, long-term relationships with reputable offshore manufacturers that are known for contributing suggestions to enhance the design and function of a client’s products, while also reducing cost. In other words, in-house assistance – even with aluminum die casting manufacturers in China – is available for die casting design, development, casting, finishing, machining, and assembly.
Discuss your prototyping needs and importing questions with Walker International. We offer a complete range of logistics services for importers of aluminum die castings from China, including “to door” local delivery, as well as established relationships with a list of reliable international affiliates.