Die Casting

Molten metal forced under high pressure into reusable metal dies.

MaterialsAluminium ADC12 and A380, zinc, magnesium

ProcessHigh-pressure casting into reusable steel dies

Best forMetal housings and brackets at volume

File formatsSTEP, IGS, STP, IGES, X_T

Tooling lead time20–40 days for the die

What Is Die Casting?

Die casting forces molten metal under high pressure into reusable steel dies, giving metal parts with good dimensional accuracy and a clean surface finish at volume. It is the standard route for metal housings, brackets, heat sinks and structural components made in quantity.

As with injection moulding, the die is the main cost. Once it exists the price per part is low, so die casting earns its place on parts made in thousands rather than dozens. Below that, CNC machining from solid will almost always cost less.

Which Alloys and Finishes Are Used in Die Casting?

Aluminium alloys such as ADC12 and A380 are the usual choice where strength against weight matters. Zinc alloys cast at lower temperatures, hold finer detail and extend die life. Magnesium is chosen where weight is the deciding constraint.

Cast parts are normally CNC machined afterwards on the critical faces to bring key dimensions into tolerance. Finishing covers deburring, shot blasting, powder coating, anodising, plating and painting.

Send a STEP, IGS, STP, IGES or X_T file with your annual volume and we will quote the die and the per-part cost separately.

Materials: zinc, aluminium, magnesium and brass alloys. Process: tooling design, tooling fabrication, die casting, deburring, machining, surface finish and packing. Finishing: blasting, painting, powder coating and chromizing, with colours matched to your request.