Die Casting Services

For over 50 years, ERA Tools and Manufacturing has been dedicated to providing companies with excellent die casting services through state of the art machinery and processes. Die casting, also known as metal casting, is the process of placing molten metal into custom made steel dies. ERA Tool offers a wide range of die casting services and production solutions that can save you both time and money.

What are the different types of die casting?

There are two main types of die casting process: Hot-chamber and Cold-chamber. The type of casting process is selected based on the type of molten metal, shape of the metal part and size, different die casting processes can deliver better results over alternative methods. There are additional variations of the main types of die casting, such as:

• Low-pressure die casting

• Vacuum die casting

• Squeeze die casting

• Semi-solid die casting

Hot-Chamber Die Casting Process (Hot Casting)

Hot chamber die casting is also known as gooseneck casting and hot casting. During hot casting, the cylinder chamber of the injection mechanism is submerged in a molten metal bath and the molten metal is then delivered into the die cavity through a gooseneck metal feed mechanism. Due to the high corrosion susceptibility of this process, it is a great casting option for zinc, some magnesium alloys, and other metals with low melting points and high fluidity.

Cold-Chamber Die Casting Process

Cold chamber die casting, also known as cold casting, is a process where the melted metal is automatically or manually supplied into the injection system, which eliminates the necessity for the injection mechanism to be immersed in the molten metal bath. Cold casting is Better for suited for metals with high melting points such as aluminum and aluminum alloys. 

Alloys Used in Die Casting

Die casting molds tend to be created with hardened steel, which is one of the most expensive components in a die casting machine. These molds are capable of handling a wide range of alloys, but metal casting is a lot more effective on metals with low fusing temperatures. Below are the most common alloys used at ERA Tools and Manufacturing.

• Aluminum Alloys

• Often found in automobile parts and gears, as well as surgical instruments.

• Prone to cracking or shrinking at high temperatures, so it is often alloyed with copper or silicon

• Generally stronger and lighter than most zinc-based materials.

• Zinc Alloys

• Often found in products that require high precision and sturdiness, such as connectors and gears.

• Easier to die cast and they respond exceptionally well to the die molding process.

• Zinc has a lower melting point than aluminum, making it suitable for hot-chamber casting.