If you’re new to die casting (and let’s face it, even if you’re not!) some of the terminology can be bewildering, to say the least.
‘Alloys’, ‘flashing’, ‘finishing’, even ‘die cast’ itself – what do they really mean and how do you find out?
At Lupton and Place, we believe in a clear, straightforward and professional approach. Getting the job done quickly, efficiently and with minimal fuss. Which starts with cutting through the jargon.
It’s our mission to make sure every client completely understands the die casting process and that no one is kept in the dark – or at risk of not achieving a project’s full potential – by misunderstanding industry speak.
Here we take a look at some of the most commonly used words associated with die casting to help clear up any confusion.
And remember, our friendly team are always on hand too, able to offer industry insight, clear up confusion and provide expert advice. So be sure to get in touch to discuss your die casting needs in more detail.
Alloy
The name given to a base metal that has been combined with another element – usually another metal – to create more favourable properties.
Aluminium
One of the most abundantly used metals in the die casting world. Aluminium offers numerous advantageous properties such as being lightweight, an excellent conductor of electricity and highly resistant to corrosion.
Ball burnishing
Burnishing is a process by which small ceramic or metal balls are circulated at high speed over a surface to enhance the finish and resistance of a die cast part.
Benching
Polish and finishing die cast surfaces by hand.
CAD
Stands for Computer Aided Design and is a crucial step in the die cast process. CAD designs can be used to develop and plan anything from products and moulds to tooling.
CAM
Computer Aided Manufacture. This follows on from CAD and is how CAD designs are brought to life, often using CNC machinery.
Cast
The name given to something created by pouring molten material into a mould, which is then allowed to harden.
Casting
The act of pouring molten metal into a mould for it to cool and harden into shape.
Cavity
The space within a mould that forms the shape of the end parts once it has been filled with molten material.
CNC
Computer Numerical Control machining. This automates processes by using a robot to follow a digital model to sculpt the part from the metal.
Deburring
Removing excess from the casting once it has been removed from the mould.
Die
Fundamental to the die casting process the ‘die’ is the tool used to create the actual cast. Each die is made specifically for the parts it will be used to make.
Die casting
The name given the to the overall process. Essentially, it is a manufacturing process to create accurate, sharply defined metal parts by using molten metal and reusable moulds – known as ‘dies’.
Flashing
The act of trimming fins of metal that can form at the cast seams and stick out from the part.
Finishing
Describes processes such as painting or machining – that apply the ‘finishing’ touches to a cast to ensure it fully meets the customer’s needs.
Gravity die casting
With this die casting method, gravity forces the molten metal to fill the mould. The result is a part that is typically slightly heavier and larger, but that can meet even stricter structural requirements.
Machining
Automates elements of the die casting process by using a machine.
Molten
The term used to describe metal that has been heated to the point of melting and is now in a liquified state.
Mould
The shape used to produce a cast.
Overflow
A small reservoir outside the die cavity that captures impure of cold metal while the cavity fills.
Pressure die casting
A key die casting process. In pressure die casting, molten metal is forced, under pressure, into a sealed mould cavity.
Runners
The channel that allows molten metal to flow into die.
Shot
This is the injection of molten metal injected into the die. It can also reference solidified metal when it is extracted from the die.
Tensile strength
This is the strength of a material when pulling forces are applied.
Tolerances
The permitted variance in dimensions that is expected during manufacture.
Tooling
The process of designing and engineering the ‘tools’ needed to produce parts or components.
Trimming
An important part of creating the finished die cast, this is the process of removing the overflow, flash and runners.
Wall thickness
Just that, this denotes the thickness the cast part’s walls.
Zinc
A metal frequently involved in the die casting process, zinc is often used as an alloy or to galvanise steel (add a protective coating) to prevent corrosion.
Talk to die casting experts Lupton and Place
We hope this quick reference guide will help to clear things up and assist you in making an informed decision when it comes to die casting. But the best way to make sure you’re getting excellent service and value for money? Work with us.
To find out more about the services we offer, or to have any further questions about die casting answered, get in touch today.