Die casting is the manufacturing process of choice when producing high volumes of relatively complex metal parts and is widely used due to its versatility, reliability, and accuracy. Below you will find the answers to the most common questions we get about the die casting process. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? No worries, you can reach us by email at support@xometry.com, and we will do our best to promptly address any additional questions you may have about the process!
How do I get a die casting quote?
To get a die casting quote, start by uploading a supported 3D CAD file of your part to the Xometry Instant Quoting Engine. From the quoting interface, you can modify the parameters of your quote and select "Die Casting" from the manufacturing process drop-down menu. Be sure to specify the quantity you need and any additional requirements such as post-machining, finishing, etc. Don’t forget to add any 2D drawings you have to accompany your part.
Once you have specified your requirements, you can submit your quote request, and one of our experts will begin reviewing the request. Please expect to be contacted by our team, who will work with you to learn more about your project, iron out the details, and provide you with a finalized quote. Please provide our team 24-72 hours to follow up on new die casting quote requests.
Is there a minimum quantity requirement?
Yes, since die casting is designed as a high-volume process requiring the production of special tools and molds, we have set a minimum quantity requirement for this process. The minimum quantity required depends on if you are ordering with our Domestic or Economy options. Please refer to the following breakdown:
- Minimum Quantity for Economy: 500 pieces
- Minimum Quantity for Domestic: 1000 pieces
If you need a number of parts lower than this, we recommend considering our CNC machining process as an option.
What materials can you die cast with?
Die casting is best suited for softer alloys due to their lower melting temperatures. At Xometry, we offer the following die casting materials:
- Aluminum Alloys
- A380 / 380.0
- A360 / 360.0
- A413 / 413.0
- ADC12
- B390.0
- C443.0
- 383.0
- 384.0
- 518.0
- Zinc Alloys
- Zamak-2
- Zamak-3
- Zamak-5
- Zamak-7
- ZA-8
- ZA-12
- ZA-27
- Magnesium Alloys
What types of die casting does Xometry use?
We support the two primary methods of die casting; hot chamber die casting and cold chamber die casting. Hot chamber casting is typically used with lower melting point materials such as zinc and magnesium. Cold chamber casting is often used for comparatively higher melting point materials such as aluminum.
Can you post-machine die cast parts?
Yes! At Xometry, we offer the option to add post-machining to your die cast parts. This option is often chosen when there are critical feature tolerances that need to be met but are not possible to hit during the die casting process itself. This option is also helpful if you have a particular area of the part that has a tight surface roughness requirement. You can find these options as selectable features during the initial quoting process.
What are lead times like for die cast parts?
Lead times for the die casting process are often longer than our other manufacturing processes. This is in part due to the competitive nature of the market and the various steps that must take place before parts can start being manufactured and shipped. Expect a longer upfront sales cycle with final quotes delivered between a week and a few weeks. Components appropriately designed for the die casting process are more likely to be quoted more quickly than those not optimized for the process.
Once an order has been placed, the tooling needs to be fabricated. Expect to receive part samples 12-18 weeks after your order has been placed and additional time to complete the production run once you approve the samples. Lead times can vary greatly depending on your project’s specific needs. Our team of experts will be working with you closely throughout the process and offer suggestions and options to provide you with the best possible turnaround while working to meet your unique needs.
What are the tolerances for die casting?
We recommend referring to the standard tolerances and guidelines set by NADCA (North American Die Casting Association). Tolerances vary depending on multiple factors including what casting alloy is used, where the features are located within the die, if the feature is made across moving parts or the parting line, and more.
Please visit our manufacturing standards page for more information about our tolerances and standards.