Die Casting

Die casting is a manufacturing process that can produce geometrically complex metal parts through the use of reusable molds, called dies. The Die Casting Process involves the use of a furnace, metal, die casting machine, and die. The metal, typically a non-ferrous alloy such as aluminum or zinc, is melted in the furnace and then injected into the dies in the die casting machine. There are two main types of die casting machines - hot chamber machines (used for alloys with low melting temperatures, such as zinc) and cold chamber machines (used for alloys with high melting temperatures, such as aluminum). The differences between these machines will be detailed in the sections on equipment and tooling. However, in both machines, after the molten metal is injected into the dies, it rapidly cools and solidifies into the final part, called the casting. The steps in this process are described in greater detail in the next section.

The castings that are created in this process can vary greatly in size and weight, ranging from a couple ounces to 100 pounds. One common application of die cast parts are housings - thin-walled enclosures, often requiring many ribs and bosses on the interior. Metal housings for a variety of appliances and equipment are often die cast. Several automobile components are also manufactured using die casting, including pistons, cylinder heads, and engine blocks. Other common die cast parts include propellers, gears, bushings, pumps, and valves.

Die cast parts can vary greatly in size and therefore require these measures to cover a very large range. As a result, die casting machines are designed to each accommodate a small range of this larger spectrum of values. Sample specifications for several different hot chamber and cold chamber die casting machines are given below.

The selection of a material for die casting is based upon several factors including the density, melting point, strength, corrosion resistance, and cost. The material may also affect the part design. For example, the use of zinc, which is a highly ductile metal, can allow for thinner walls and a better surface finish than many other alloys. The material not only determines the properties of the final casting, but also impacts the machine and tooling. Materials with low melting temperatures, such as zinc alloys, can be die cast in a hot chamber machine. However, materials with a higher melting temperature, such as aluminum and copper alloys, require the use of cold chamber machine. The melting temperature also affects the tooling, as a higher temperature will have a greater adverse effect on the life of the dies.