Product Definition
Die-castings are parts manufactured through die-casting technology.
The specific process involves preparing a die-casting machine
equipped with a casting mold, injecting molten metals such as
copper, zinc, aluminum, or aluminum alloys into the feed inlet of
the die-casting machine. Subsequently, under the pressure applied
by the die-casting machine (usually in the range of 30 - 150MPa,
and up to over 200MPa for some large and complex parts), the molten
metal is pressed into the mold cavity. After cooling and
solidification, parts that meet the shape and size requirements of
the mold are produced. In different regions, die-castings are also
referred to as die-cast parts, pressure castings, die-cast
aluminum, die-cast zinc parts, die-cast copper parts, etc.
Product Characteristics
- Capability of Forming Complex Shapes: Due to the excellent fluidity (e.g., the fluidity of aluminum
alloys at die-casting temperature can reach 30 - 80mm/s, and that
of zinc alloys can reach 50 - 100mm/s) and plasticity of metals
such as copper, zinc, aluminum, and aluminum alloys, and the fact
that casting is performed in a pressurized die-casting machine,
die-castings can be manufactured into various complex shapes. These
include thin-walled structures with a minimum wall thickness of
0.5mm, micro-holes with a diameter of less than 1mm, and integrated
structures with multiple chambers and ribs. This characteristic
greatly expands the possibilities of product design and meets
diverse application needs. For instance, structures that originally
required 5 - 8 parts to be assembled can be integrally formed
through die-casting technology, reducing assembly processes.
- High Precision and Surface Finish: Die-castings can achieve high precision and surface finish. The
dimensional tolerance can usually be controlled within IT11 - IT13
grade, and some precision die-castings can even reach IT8 - IT10
grade. The surface roughness Ra value is generally between 1.6 -
6.3μm, which can directly meet assembly requirements without
extensive machining. Taking aluminum alloy die-castings as an
example, their flatness error can be controlled within 0.1mm per
meter, and the cylindricity error does not exceed 0.05mm. This not
only reduces the number of machining processes by 30% - 50% and
saves more than 40% of machining time and costs but also reduces
errors that may occur during the machining process, improving the
stability of product quality.
- Material and Cost Advantages: High precision means that the casting allowance of metal
materials can be controlled within 0.5 - 2mm. Compared with
traditional casting processes (where the allowance is usually 3 -
5mm), the material utilization rate is increased by 20% - 30%,
avoiding unnecessary material waste. At the same time, reducing the
amount of machining can lower electricity consumption by more than
50% and labor costs by approximately 30%. In addition, copper,
zinc, aluminum, and aluminum alloys themselves have excellent
thermal conductivity (the thermal conductivity of aluminum alloys
is about 120 - 200W/(m·K), which is 3 - 5 times that of cast iron),
low specific gravity (the density of aluminum alloys is only
2.7g/cm³, approximately 1/3 of that of steel), and high
machinability (the cutting speed can reach 100 - 500m/min). These
properties give die-castings obvious competitive advantages in many
fields, with the comprehensive production cost being 15% - 40%
lower than that of traditional machined parts.
Application Fields
- Automotive Manufacturing Industry: Die-castings are widely used in automotive manufacturing,
covering engine systems (such as engine blocks, cylinder heads,
valve rockers, etc.), transmission systems (such as gearbox
housings, gear chambers, etc.), chassis systems (such as suspension
components, steering knuckles, etc.), and body structural parts
(such as door frames, bumper frames, etc.). Taking automotive
aluminum alloy die-castings as an example, the number of
die-castings used in a single car can reach 50 - 100 pieces,
accounting for 8% - 15% of the total weight of the car. By using
die-castings, automobiles can achieve lightweight design. For every
100kg reduction in weight, the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers
can be reduced by 0.3 - 0.6L, improving fuel economy while ensuring
structural strength (the tensile strength of aluminum alloy
die-castings can reach 200 - 400MPa) and safety.
- Electronic and Electrical Industry: In electronic and electrical products, die-castings are mainly
used to manufacture various housings, brackets, and heat
dissipation components. Examples include the housings of mobile
phones, laptops, and tablets, as well as internal structural parts
of televisions and air conditioners. Aluminum alloy and zinc alloy
die-castings have good thermal conductivity (the thermal
conductivity of zinc alloys is about 100 - 120W/(m·K)), electrical
conductivity, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding
performance (the shielding effectiveness can reach 30 - 50dB),
which can effectively protect internal electronic components and
improve the performance and stability of products. Taking laptop
housings as an example, the thickness of aluminum alloy die-cast
housings can be controlled within 1 - 2mm, and their weight is only
1.2 - 1.5 times that of traditional plastic housings, while the
impact resistance is increased by 2 - 3 times.
- Aerospace Field: The aerospace field has extremely strict requirements on the
performance and quality of components. Magnesium alloy die-castings
have been widely used in this field due to their advantages such as
low density (about 1.8g/cm³, only 67% of that of aluminum alloys),
high specific strength (the specific strength can reach 120 -
180MPa/(g/cm³)×10³), and good shock absorption performance (the
damping coefficient is 2 - 5 times that of aluminum alloys). They
are often used to manufacture aircraft cabin internal structural
parts, seat frames, engine accessories, and lightweight structural
parts of spacecraft. The number of magnesium alloy die-castings
used in a single spacecraft can reach dozens of pieces, which helps
to reduce the weight of the aircraft. For every 1kg reduction in
weight, the launch cost of the spacecraft can be reduced by 10,000
- 20,000 US dollars, improving flight performance and energy
efficiency.
- Medical Device Industry: With the development of the medical device industry, the
requirements for the precision, surface quality, and
biocompatibility of components are constantly increasing. The
die-casting process can be used to manufacture small precision
components such as handles and housings of surgical instruments, as
well as brackets and connectors of medical equipment. Its high
precision (dimensional tolerance can reach IT9 grade) and good
surface quality (Ra value ≤ 1.6μm) can meet the strict standards of
medical devices for operational precision and hygiene requirements.
For example, the dimensional error of die-cast surgical instrument
handles can be controlled within 0.02 - 0.05mm. After passivation
treatment on the surface, the corrosion resistance can withstand a
neutral salt spray test for 500 hours without rusting.
- Other Fields: In addition to the above industries, die-castings are also widely
used in motorcycle manufacturing, motor manufacturing, oil pump
manufacturing, transmission machinery manufacturing, precision
instruments, garden landscaping, power construction, architectural
decoration, and other industries. For example, artistic decorations
in garden landscaping (such as aluminum alloy die-cast pattern
ornaments with a minimum detail size of 0.2mm), electrical
equipment components in power construction (such as zinc alloy
die-cast terminal blocks whose electrical conductivity meets the
GB/T 13140 standard), and door and window accessories in
architectural decoration (such as aluminum alloy die-cast hinges
with a load-bearing capacity of more than 50kg) may all adopt
die-castings.
When you are ready to begin your die-casting project, one of the
most important decisions you will make is choosing the suitable
material. The material you select must be able to withstand the
high temperatures and pressures of the die casting process, as well
as the demands of your end-use application.
Furthermore, it is important to choose a material that is
compatible with the die casting operation you have selected. With
so many factors to consider, working with an experienced
die-casting partner who can help you navigate the many options and
make the best decision for your specific project is essential.
However, aluminium, magnesium, and zinc are three of the most
popular die casting materials, as they all are strong and lightweight:
Aluminium alloys
Aluminium is also highly corrosion-resistant, making it an ideal
choice for die-cast parts that will be exposed to the elements.
Some of its most suitable aluminium alloys for die casting are:
- Aluminium 46100 / ADC12 / A383 / Al-Si11Cu3
- Aluminium 46500 / A380 / Al-Si8Cu3
Magnesium alloys
Magnesium alloys such as AZ91D, AM60B, and AS41B are also well
suited for die casting due to their high strength-to-weight ratio.
In addition, these alloys offer good resistance to corrosion and
wear.
Zinc alloys
Zinc, on the other hand, is an excellent conductor of heat and
electricity, making it ideal for die-cast parts that will need to
be heated or cooled rapidly.