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''NOBAKE'' chemically bonded sand casting
	Our ''NOBAKE'' or chemically bonded sand casting process yields superior surface finish and details compared to the more commonly used ''green sand'' casting process. In fact, some of the projects we do, used to be done with the plaster mould process. We are not saying that we can achieve the same results than plaster moulds, but we can do a lot better than what is normally done with sand casting and yes, in some cases, replace plaster moulding. We produce large thin wall parts (1.6 mm) with this process. This is used for small or large parts casting. We can produce thin wall parts like one piece instrument panels or fenders for example. The process is also very precise and is used for projects like transfer case and transmission housings and other projects where details definition is important. Our ''NOBAKE'' sand casting is well suited for prototyping and small production and it can be used with Magnesium and Aluminium alloys. We use sand casting to quickly build prototypes and short series at competitive rates. Typical delivery for parts can be as little as 2-3 weeks after receiving CAD files. It all depends on design and shop load. Please contact us with the details of your project for a fast reply and a complete cost breakdown.
Gravity poured permanent mould
	Gravity poured permanent mould process: Instead of using sand as the mould material, a metal is used as a mould for the gravity poured permanent mould process. The process can be used with magnesium or aluminium alloys. Cavity surfaces are coated. The moulds are pre-heated before the metal is poured into the cavity. The cavity design for these moulds do not follow the same rules for shrinkage as in sand casting moulds, due to the fact that the metal moulds heat up and expand during the pour, so the cavity does not need to be expanded as much as in the sand castings. However, care has to be taken to ensure proper thermal balance, by using external water cooling or appropriate radiation techniques. Permanent mould castings, while not as flexible as sand castings in allowing the use of different patterns, lowers the cost of producing a part. At a production run of 1000 or more parts, permanent mould castings produce a lower piece cost part. Of course, the break-even point depends on the complexity of the part.
Low pressure permanent mould (LPPM)
	The low pressure permanent moulding process for magnesium is currently in development. This technology promotes high integrity parts. The low turbulence pressurized filling yields parts with very little porosities and ultimate mechanical properties. The process has a very unique feature being able to be used for Magnesium casting. Similar to the Permanent Mould Casting process, the Low Pressure Permanent Mould (LPPM) casting process uses a permanent mould made of iron or steel to produce a variety of magnesium castings. Instead of using the force of gravity to allow the metal to flow into the cavity, a low amount of gas or air pressure is applied to the molten metal, which is contained in an airtight chamber. This pressure causes the metal to be forced into the mould cavity. With the assistance of the added pressure, the metal fills the mould and compensates for any possible shrinking and casting defects. Some Advantages of Low Pressure Permanent Mold Castings: Thin walled casting can be produced Mechanical properties are increased over Gravity Permanent Mold Castings Excellent process for creating intricate designs such as circular patterns Increased surface finish of as-cast castings Higher density castings Low tooling costs Able to produce pressure tight castings.
CNC Machining
	CNC machining is also available at TMA. Even though this is not our core business, we are able to be extremely efficient and competitive when it comes to CNC machining. Sometimes, it can be more economical to machine parts instead of using a casting technique to produce a prototype. When a unique prototype is needed and the properties do not have to be representative, CNC machining becomes a quick and economical way of building a prototype. At TMA, we can handle parts that can fit within a 40'' X 20'' X 28'' volume. It is possible to produce intricate shapes in a variety of materials, from light metals to polymers. Machining will also be a good alternative when the design is not finished or if the customer wants to have a better feel for the part. Even though we mainly use our machining capacity for our own tooling needs, we offer this service to our customer. TMA has an experienced staff capable of executing the most challenging work. Some of our work can be seen in the picture gallery. TMA also has a network of suppliers for bigger projects or for producing at a faster rate. Try us on your next RFQ. The quality of craftsmanship of our experienced staff is capable of taking on your project.
Heat treatment
	All prototypes manufactured by TMA are designed not only to look like the finish product, but also to behave like a production part. When TMA produces a prototype, it uses the technology and the method that will be the best to reproduce the properties to be expected from a production part. For example, a die cast magnesium company who wants to quickly supply parts to a potential customer. Eventually, the part will be die cast with Magnesium alloy AZ91D. Our challenge is to use a sand cast process with magnesium alloy AZ91E and work with the melt preparation and heat treatments to tailor the properties to match the AZ91D die cast as much as possible. In order to do this, we have developed in-house methods for heat treatment and foundry processes that help tailor the properties of an alloy for a specific need. This way we can design a heat treatment to achieve ultimate tensile strength or maximum elongation depending on the application. Our heat treatment facility can be used to work on your R&D projects and help develop new practices. Do not hesitate to contact us to find out for more information about the possibility to involve TMA in your project development phase.

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