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Die Casting: The Versatile Manufacturing Process for Quality Metal Parts
Die casting is a popular manufacturing process used to produce high-quality metal parts with excellent dimensional accuracy and repeatability. Parts made using die casting have smooth surfaces that require little to no machining after the casting process. Die casting is highly suitable for producing complex geometries and thin-walled sections that would be difficult or impossible with other processes. In this article, we’ll explore what die casting is, its key benefits, common materials used, typical applications, and leading die casting companies.
What is Die Casting?
Die casting is a metal casting process that forces molten metal under high pressure into steel molds, called dies. The metal solidifies in the die cavity, taking the shape of the cavity. The dies are machined from high strength alloy tool steels, allowing them to withstand high pressures and temperatures during the casting process. The final casting is ejected from the die after solidification is complete. The process is highly automated using machines called die casting machines.
There are two main types of die casting - hot chamber die casting and cold chamber die casting. In hot chamber die casting, the metal is melted in a holding furnace that is connected to the die casting machine. The liquid metal is injected into the die using a gooseneck tube. The furnace keeps the metal in a molten state during casting. In cold chamber die casting, the metal is melted in a separate furnace and ladled by hand or using a robotic arm into a cold chamber of the die casting machine. Each shot begins with a new ladle of molten metal. Hot chamber die casting is faster and used for lower melting point alloys like zinc, while cold chamber die casting can accommodate higher melting point alloys like aluminum and magnesium.
Benefits of Die Casting
There are several key benefits that make die casting a popular manufacturing process across various industries:
- Excellent dimensional accuracy and repeatability. Tolerances as tight as 0.005 inches are possible. This reduces or eliminates secondary machining.
- Smooth cast surfaces with fine detail resolution. No draft angles are required on the part geometry.
- Fast production rates, making die casting ideal for high volume production.
- A wide range of available alloys including aluminum, zinc, magnesium, copper and brass.
- Ability to cast thin walls down to 0.060 inches. Thicker sections result in stronger parts.
- Consolidation of parts through design to reduce assembly operations.
- Lower overall part cost compared to machining or fabrication for medium to high production volumes.
Common Die Casting Alloys
The most popular alloys used for die casting include:
Aluminum – Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion resistant, and has excellent dimensional stability and surface finish. Die cast aluminum parts have high strength-to-weight ratios. Common aluminum alloys are 380, 383, 413, and 518.
Zinc – Zinc alloys like Zamak possess high ductility that allows casting of thinner walls and more complex shapes. Zinc is cheaper than aluminum but has lower strength. Zinc is often plated for corrosion resistance and enhanced aesthetics.
Magnesium – Magnesium alloys are lightweight like aluminum but have higher strength-to-weight ratios. Properties like impact strength, ductility and damping are excellent. Die cast magnesium housings provide electromagnetic shielding.
Copper – Copper alloys like brass and bronze have high thermal and electrical conductivity. They have excellent wear resistance and strong mechanical properties making them suitable for high load applications.
Lead – Lead and its alloys have high density, making them useful for applications requiring vibration dampening. Lead alloys are also machinable and have self-lubricating qualities.
Typical Die Casting Applications
Die casting produces intricate, high-tolerance metal parts suitable for a vast range of industries and applications. Below are some examples:
- Automotive – Engine blocks, chassis parts, gear boxes, pistons, car grills, wheels, shock absorbers.
- Aerospace – Aircraft landing gear and engine parts, helicopters.
- Medical – Dental equipment, surgical instruments like forceps and retractors.
- Electronics – Mobile device housings and frames, heat sinks, EMI/RFI shielding.
- Appliances – Housings for power tools, kitchen appliances, outdoor equipment.
- Plumbing – Faucets, shower heads, valves, fittings.
- Hardware – Padlocks, door knobs, construction hardware, gardening tools.
Leading Die Casting Companies
Many companies offer die casting services and manufacture die cast parts for all types of industries. Some of the top die casting companies known for their capabilities and expertise include:
- Lakeshore Tool & Die – Specializes in zinc and aluminum die casting for over 50 years. Serves appliance, electrical, and construction industries.
- CFS Precise Castings – ISO 9001 certified. Capabilities include cold & hot chamber aluminum die casting and CNC machining. High cosmetic quality.
- Meridian Lightweight Technologies – Large capacity from 200 to 2,000 ton presses. Multi-slide aluminum die casting up to 56 inches long. CNC machining.
- Dowding Industries – Zinc, aluminum, and magnesium die casting. Miniature to large high pressure die casting. Design and engineering assistance.
- KenWalt Die Casting – Offers conventional hot chamber, thixomolding, and waste-reduced cold chamber die casting processes.
- Lakeshore Tool & Die – Specializes in zinc and aluminum die casting for over 50 years. Serves appliance, electrical, and construction industries.
- Chassis Brakes International – Automotive industry supplier for brake components. Aluminum high pressure die casting up to 3,000 tons.
- Gibbs Die Casting – Engineer, manufacture, and finish high-quality aluminum and magnesium die cast components and assemblies.
Die casting is an efficient manufacturing process to produce high-quality metal parts with complex geometries at competitive prices. With its versatility across industries and materials, die casting will continue growing as a popular mass production method for years to come. Leading die casting companies continue to advance their capabilities to cast and machine precision components that serve a diverse global customer base. CNC Milling CNC Machining