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What is the difference between Cast vs sheet lighting fixtures? Cast brass Landscape Lighting is made from a mold and liquid brass is poured into the mold to form the brass fixture. For precise parts with consistent fit and finish and tight tolerances, die cast molds are preferred. Die cast molds are precise molds machined out of metal. An alternative method is the sand casting. Sand casting is when a 1-off mold is made by making a temporary mold out of packed sand and the liquid brass is poured into the sand mold. When the brass hardens the sand is broken away. Sand casting cannot duplicate the precision and consistency of die cast molding.
Sheet brass fixtures are made by taking a sheet of solid brass and bending the sheet into a shape. The sheet is usually bent by stamping the sheet into a molded shape using a high pressure machine press. Cast brass is much thicker whereas sheet brass is thinner but more economical. The trained eye can see the difference visually as well. Here is an example of a sheet brass fixture (click on thumbnail of the fixture disassembled) and here is an example of a cast brass fixture. (you’ll notice the walls are much thicker).
Here at Landscape Lighting World we take pride in our 12 volt landscape lighting fixtures: their designs, their functionality, their durability. All of our fixtures are made form brass and over 95% are solid cast brass. A few of our value fixtures are sheet brass. We only sell brass landscape lighting fixtures because it is undisputed that brass is the material of choice when you want premium quality landscape light fixtures that will last a lifetime—even in the rugged and corrosive outdoor environment.
Most manufacturers primarily sell aluminum fixtures due to the lower cost. However at Landscape Lighting World we have a very specific niche – only sell the highest quality materials that will last a lifetime, and do so at the lowest possible price in the outdoor lighting industry.
Aluminum is an easily formed metal, widely available, and is inexpensive. Aluminum does not rust, but the aluminum usually has impurities that creates pits and peels the protective powder coating finish. Manufacturers will even state on their fixtures that they are not designed for coastal installations where they will be exposed to high humidity. The landscape fixtures we sell are cast brass lighting fixtures and will last a lifetime anywhere.
Brass has been used for over 4,000 years, and the cast process has been dated to China, going back over 5,000 years. The ancients figured out the cast process, and mixed a copper and tin formula, making an alloy that would not rust, was easy to mold, as well as a decorative. The Roman Empire cast brass for coins, and military equipment . While our manufacturing process is more advanced than the Roman Empire’s, we have broadened the process. Our finishing process makes our entire line of landscape lighting fixtures beautiful, durable and very cost effective.
So when you are investigating landscape lighting fixtures, remember the material it is made out of will cast a shadow of over how long that fixture will truly last. Here at Landscape Lighting World, we know that cast lighting fixtures makes the most sense for longevity, attractiveness, as well as functionality. Oh yes, our LIFETIME Warranty also makes us the professional’s choice.
