What is Die casting?
[[File:BMW 6-cylinder block Al-Mg.jpg|thumb|An [[Cylinder block|engine block]] with aluminium and magnesium die castings]] '''Die casting''' is a type of [[casting (metalworking)|metal casting]] that forces [[molten]] [[metal]] into the empty space of the [[Moulding|mold]]. The mold is made by using two hardened [[tool steel]] [[die (manufacturing)|die]]s which are machined into shape. These work like an [[injection molding|injection mold]]. Most die castings are made from [[non-ferrous metal]]s (meaning they do not have [[iron]]). These metals are [[zinc]], [[copper]], [[aluminium]], [[magnesium]], [[lead]], [[pewter]], and [[tin]]-based alloys. Depending on what type of metal is being cast, a hot- or cold-chamber machine is used. The casting equipment and the metal dies are expensive. This means it is used only on things that need to be made a large number of times. It is simple to make things using die casting, and it has only four main steps. This helps keep the cost of the items lower. Die casting works well for many small- to medium-sized castings, which is why it is used to make more castings than any other casting process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diecastingdesign.org/advantages|title=Die Casting vs Other Processes|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|language=en-US|access-date=2016-09-16|archive-date=2016-09-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923161705/http://www.diecastingdesign.org/advantages|url-status=dead}}</ref> Die castings have a very good [[surface finish]] (compared to other types of casting) and consistent sizes. ==References== {{reflist}} {{stub}} [[Category:Metalworking]]