About Die Casting

Die casting is a manufacturing process in which molten metal is poured or forced into steel molds. The molds—also known as tools—are created using steel and are specially designed for each project. This allows each component to be created with accuracy and repeatability. Aluminum, Zinc, and Magnesium are the most commonly used die casting alloys.

Benefits of Die Casting

Die casting can have significant advantages over other manufacturing processes, which often lead to major cost savings, not only in the part price itself but also in the overall cost of production. When you cast a part, you can create complex net shapes, including external threads and complex internal features with minimal draft angles—minimizing secondary operations. You can also combine multiple parts into a single part, eliminating assembly operations and lowering labor costs, with the added benefits of simplified stock control and greater component consistency.

Other benefits of die casting include:

• Variable wall thicknesses
• Tighter tolerances
• Fewer steps from raw material to finished part
• Fast production cycle times
• Reduction in material scrap
• Long tool life, especially for zinc and magnesium

Benefits of Die Casting Alloys

Zinc, aluminum, and magnesium are the three main die casting alloys. They are normally non-ferrous and their mechanical properties vary greatly to fit almost every type of application a manufacturer may need. Not only can die cast alloys withstand high operating temperatures, but they are also fully recyclable. Die cast alloy also have:

• Good corrosion resistance
• High strength and hardness
• High thermal conductivity
• High electrical conductivity
• Outstanding EMI/RFI shielding properties
• Good finishing characteristics

Separately, each die cast alloy offers a variety of benefits that the other may not offer. That is one of the great things about die casting, you do not have to be limited when it comes to choosing the right metal. Our UK facility specializes in zinc pressure die casting.

Try our dynamic metal selector to compare mechanical and physical properties of die cast alloys.

Die Casting Process

There isn’t one single process that can suit every project. Each project is different which is why Dynacast offers multiple solutions for all die casting needs. This ensures the right process is always used for the right application. At Dynacast, we offer three different types of die casting processes.

Hot-Chamber Die Casting

Used for zinc, some magnesium alloys, and other low-melting, hot-chamber die casting is a great option for alloys that do not readily attack and erode metal pots, cylinders, and plungers.

Cold-Chamber Die Casting

Better suited for metals with high melting points such as aluminum, during cold-chamber die casting, metal is liquefied and then ladled into a cold chamber where a hydraulically operated plunger pushes the metal into the die.

Injected Metal Assembly

Over the past 50 years, we have developed and refined our innovative; one-step manufacturing solution, Injected Metal Assembly. IMA outperforms most adhesives used for small component joining and assembly production and reduces manufacturing costs.

Multi-Slide & Conventional Die Casting

At Dynacast, we offer two different types of tooling processes: multi-slide and conventional. Each has their own unique benefits and our skilled engineers can help decide which tooling is best for each project.

Benefits of Multi-Slide Die Cast Tooling

Our proprietary multi-slide tooling technology offers a number of unique advantages, including:

• Net shape die casting the first time
• Eliminates secondary operations like assembly and machining
• Complex geometry and tight tolerances at higher speeds
• Minimum part-to-part variation compared to standard multi-cavity dies
• Compact tooling that is less prone to parting-line variation and its negative effect on the finished part’s dimensional tolerances

Benefits of Conventional Die Cast Tooling

Conventional die cast tooling is designed with single or multiple cavities. The tool is designed to be efficient and cut down on secondary operations which help lower costs. Other benefits of conventional die cast tooling, include:

• Dies that are designed to efficiently manage high volume production
• Net shape die casting, with design focused to avoid secondary operations
• Steel braced dies to aid in the longevity of the tool
• Efficient production with properly planned cooling and water lines

Die Casting Company UK

Dynacast is a global manufacturer of both conventional and multi-slide die cast precision components with a local facility in Welshpool, United Kingdom. Our engineers offer design solutions for a variety of industries including consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare, and more. When our engineers are involved early in the project, they can help design a tool and part specifically for mass production. All of our customers receive insight and expertise throughout all stages of the project. Contact our engineer team to request a quote today.