What Is Die Cast Metal?
Die casting is the process by which molten metal under high pressure is forced into steel molds so as to create specific shapes after the metal cools. Die casting is used to create any number of household objects, from toys to bathroom faucets, as well as any number of much larger metal fixtures.
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Dies
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According to the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA), dies are the molds into which the molten metal is poured. These molds can create parts as trite as a toy soldier or "as complex as a connector housing."
History
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Die casting was important to the development of industry and mass production. The first known use of die casting by pressure injection occurred in the 1800s, the NADCA reports. In 1849, die casting was being used almost exclusively to create printing type. Since then, its uses have expanded exponentially.
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Modern Uses
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Today, the list of products made from die casting is diverse. According to the NADCA, 44 percent of the market for die cast materials is the auto powertrain market. The next highest are miscellaneous items at 10 percent and builder's hardware at 9 percent.
Die Cast vs. Plastic
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Die cast parts are stronger than comparable plastic parts of equivalent size and dimension, the NADCA says, and die cast parts are also more conductive to electricity and more temperature resistant.
Fun Fact
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There are four types of dies: single cavity dies (to produce a single part), multiple cavity dies (to produce multiple parts at once), unit dies (to produce different parts at the same time) and combination dies (which create multiple parts that fit together).
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