Die casting forces molten metal into mold cavities under high pressure. Aluminum die casting and alloy die casting are the most common forms. Other metals die castings use zinc, copper, magnesium and lead, all of which are non-ferrous metals.

Die casting creates many small- to- medium-sized parts that are all the same and have fine detail, making die casting one of the highest-volume products in the metalworking industry. Before proceeding with a die casting job, be aware of some basic issues, and decide whether you will be purchasing die casting machinery for your shop, or whether you will be using the services of a die casting company.

1. Look for die casting machines that can achieve precise tolerances and accuracy if you are buying one to use in-house.

2. Find a die casting manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for excellence if you are outsourcing.

3. Seek out a die casting distributor of imported castings to save money and ensure quality.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase a pressure die casting machine with precise tolerances

Die castings should have uniform wall thicknesses and cores of simple shapes. Dies should not come out uneven or weak, and the molds should have a draft allowance that lets the die come out easily. Make sure the machine you buy can work to these standards.

I recommend: Columbia Machine Works Inc. has the resources to repair or replace machine parts as well as to design and build complicated manufacturing equipment such as die casting machines. Ray Jacobs Machinery Co. specializes in used machinery for metallurgy, including used die casting machines.

Connect with die casting manufacturers with long-term experience and a great reputation

The longer a company has been in business, the more time it has had to gain a good reputation, grow and become more innovative. The fact that a company has a history of customers which goes back many decades speaks volumes about the company's trustworthiness in providing quality products and services.

I recommend: Walker Die Casting has been making aluminum die castings since 1958. Their large staff has extensive experience, with employees averaging more than ten years apiece in the industry. In 1960, Joseph A. Dapsis founded Carteret Die Casting Corporation, a continually growing leader in producing precision, close-tolerance zinc components.

Use a die casting distributing company for low-cost imports

Distributors who work with foreign manufacturers can help you save quite a bit of money by having custom-engineered die castings manufactured for you overseas.

I recommend: Eckart & Finard acts as a liaison between overseas suppliers and customers from start to finish. Materials Technology Solutions, LLC distributes die castings all over the world for a variety of high-tech industries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you know other business owners in your industry who have needed die castings, ask them what they recommend in terms of how best to get them.