This section provides a concise overview of Die Casting Machines, detailing their core functions, operational processes, and key applications in producing metal parts. It explores the cost-effectiveness of die casting compared to CNC machining, discusses optimal metal choices like aluminum, and examines the factors contributing to the process’s overall cost. Additionally, it lists 9 global Die Casting Machine manufacturers as of July 2025—including Bühler Group, FRECH Group, and IDRA Group—highlighting their contributions to high-volume metal manufacturing.
What is a Die Casting Machine?
A die casting machine is a specialized industrial device used to produce metal parts by injecting molten metal into a mold cavity under high pressure.
Key Features and Operation
- Mold Components: It consists of two main parts: the fixed half and the moving half, which together form the mold cavity.
- Injection System: Molten metal is injected into the mold at high speed and pressure, ensuring precise and detailed parts.
- Cooling and Ejection: Once the metal solidifies, the mold opens, and the part is ejected, ready for finishing processes.
Application Scenarios
Die casting machines are crucial in industries that require high-volume production of complex metal parts, such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics. They offer precision and efficiency, making them ideal for producing components like engine blocks, gears, and housings.
Understanding the operation and application of die casting machines can significantly benefit industries focused on manufacturing durable and intricate metal components.
Is Die Casting Cheaper Than CNC?
Yes, die casting is generally cheaper than CNC machining for large production runs. Die casting uses reusable molds, reducing material waste and lowering costs over time.
Die casting involves injecting molten metal into a mold, making it ideal for high-volume production of complex parts. This method offers cost advantages due to its rapid production rate and minimal labor requirement. However, it requires a significant upfront investment in molds, better suited for large-scale manufacturing.
In contrast, CNC machining is more flexible, with no need for specialized molds. It uses a subtractive process, carving parts from solid blocks, which can lead to higher material waste and cost per unit. CNC is more cost-effective for low-volume or custom parts due to its adaptability and precision.
Comparison Summary:
- Die Casting:
- Pros: Cost-effective for large volumes, fast production.
- Cons: High initial mold costs, less flexibility.
- CNC Machining:
- Pros: Flexible, precise, suitable for low quantities.
- Cons: Higher material waste, more expensive per unit for large runs.
This comparison suggests choosing based on production scale and part complexity.
What Metal is Best for Die Casting?
Aluminum is the most widely used metal for die casting due to its excellent properties. It offers a perfect balance of strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for various applications.
Key Properties and Applications:
- Strength and Durability: Aluminum die castings provide structural integrity and are capable of withstanding high stress. This makes them suitable for automotive components, such as engine blocks and wheels.
- Lightweight: The metal’s low density reduces the overall weight of the final product, which is crucial in industries like aerospace and automotive, where fuel efficiency is a priority.
- Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum forms a protective oxide layer, preventing corrosion. This is beneficial for outdoor applications and products exposed to harsh environments.
- Thermal Conductivity: This metal offers excellent heat dissipation, making it ideal for electronics and lighting fixtures where heat management is crucial.
- Recyclability: Aluminum is highly recyclable, which supports sustainability efforts in manufacturing sectors.
In summary, aluminum’s combination of strength, lightness, and resistance properties makes it the optimal choice for die casting in diverse industries.
Why is die casting so expensive?
Die casting is expensive due to high initial setup costs, including mold creation and specialized machinery. The process involves several key factors:
- Mold Creation: Custom molds, typically made from steel, are costly to design and produce, as they require precision engineering to ensure high-quality casts.
- Specialized Machinery: Die casting requires sophisticated machines that can handle high-pressure injection molding, which are expensive to purchase and maintain.
- Material Costs: The metals used, such as aluminum or zinc, contribute to overall expenses. Quality materials ensure durability and precision in the final product.
- Labor and Expertise: Skilled technicians are needed to operate machinery and manage the casting process, adding to labor costs.
- Production Volume: While high initial costs are significant, die casting becomes cost-effective at large volumes, as the per-unit cost decreases with increased production.
Overall, the initial investment in die casting is substantial, but its efficiency and precision in producing complex parts justify the expense for large-scale manufacturing.
List of 9 Die Casting Machine suppliers
- Bühler Group
Bühler is a Swiss-based multinational technology group and the global market and technology leader in die casting. Founded in 1860, its die casting machines are world-renowned for superior performance, high reliability, and innovative technologies like real-time control and vacuum systems. Bühler offers complete solutions, from the die casting machine to the fully automated cell.
Country: Switzerland
Address: Gupfenstrasse 5, 9240 Uzwil, Switzerland
TEI: +41-71-955-1111
Website:https://www.buhlergroup.com
Products:
- Carat Series: Large two-platen machines for complex Al & Mg structural parts.
- Ecoline S Series: Flexible three-platen die casting machines.
- SmartVac & Retrofits: Advanced vacuum systems and modernization services.
- Digital Services: (e.g., Die Casting Dashboard, Insights Platform).
- FRECH Group
FRECH is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hot-chamber and cold-chamber die casting machines. A German family-owned company, it is dedicated to die casting technology and is known for its high-quality, durable, and efficient machines, as well as advanced die technology for zinc, magnesium, and aluminum alloys.
Country: Germany
Address: Schorndorfer Straße 32, 73614 Schorndorf, Germany
TEI: +49-7181-702-0
Website:https://www.frech.com
Products:
- K-series: Cold-chamber die casting machines for Al and Cu alloys.
- DAW-series: Hot-chamber die casting machines for Zn alloys.
- DAM-series: Hot-chamber machines for Mg alloys.
- Die casting dies, peripheral equipment, and automation cells.
- IDRA Group
IDRA is an Italian company and a leading global manufacturer of large die casting machines. In recent years, IDRA has gained worldwide fame for its innovative “Giga Press,” used to produce large, single-piece automotive body structures. IDRA focuses on providing technologically advanced, high-performance solutions for large-scale die casting.
Country: Italy
Address: Via Triumplina, 43, 25020 Travagliato (BS), Italy
TEI: +39-030-20111
Website:https://www.idragroup.com
Products:
- Giga Press: XXL Die Casting Machines.
- OL CS Series: Standard two-platen cold-chamber machines.
- OL DK Series: Toggle cold-chamber machines.
- Injection systems and automation solutions.
- Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd.
Shibaura Machine (formerly Toshiba Machine) is a long-established Japanese machinery manufacturer. Its die casting machines are known for high quality, high precision, and excellent durability. The company offers a full range of cold-chamber die casting machines, including servo-driven energy-saving models, which are widely used in the automotive and electronics industries.
Country: Japan
Address: 2-2, Uchisaiwaicho 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8503, Japan
TEI: +81-3-3509-0211
Website:https://www.shibaura-machine.co.jp/en/
Products:
- DC-R Series: All-electric die casting machines.
- DC-SX Series: Servo-hydraulic toggle die casting machines.
- DC-J Series: Two-platen die casting machines.
- Injection molding machines, industrial robots, and machine tools.
- Yizumi Holdings Co., Ltd.
Yizumi is a fast-growing Chinese machinery manufacturer that offers a diverse range of products, including die casting machines, injection molding machines, and rubber injection machines. Its die casting product line is extensive and has achieved significant growth in the global market, especially in Asia and emerging markets, due to its advanced technology, competitive pricing, and reliable performance.
Country: China
Address: No. 8, Gaoming Avenue East, Gaoming District, Foshan City, Guangdong, China
TEI: +86-757-2926-5159
Website:https://www.yizumi.com/en
Products:
- H Series: Heavy-duty cold-chamber die casting machines.
- DM Series: Standard cold-chamber die casting machines.
- Thixomolding® machines.
- Automation systems and mold technology.
- HPM North America Corp.
HPM (Hydraulic Press Manufacturing) is a historic American manufacturer of die casting and injection molding machines. Although the company has undergone several changes, its brand is still known for rugged, durable, and reliable die casting machines, with a loyal customer base, particularly in the North American market.
Country: USA
Address: 12054 E Washington St, Mount Gilead, OH 43338, USA
TEI: +1-419-946-0222
Website:https://www.hpmcorp.com
Products:
- New cold-chamber die casting machines.
- Rebuilding and retrofitting services for used equipment.
- Spare parts and field service.
- Agrati AEE S.r.l.
Agrati is an Italian company that specializes in producing fully automatic hot-chamber die casting machines for zinc alloys. Its machines are known for high speed, high precision, and compact design, making them ideal for producing high-volume, high-precision zinc alloy products such as zipper pulls, small hardware, and fashion accessories.
Country: Italy
Address: Via per Dolzago, 42, 23848 Oggiono (LC), Italy
TEI: +39-0341-263000
Website:https://www.agrati.com
Products:
- A-Force Series: Fully automatic hot-chamber die casting machines.
- Automated production lines.
- Kurtz Ersa
Kurtz Ersa is a diversified German family-owned company. Its foundry machinery division, Kurtz, provides low-pressure and gravity die casting technology. While not a traditional high-pressure die casting machine manufacturer, its low-pressure machines are a global leader in producing high-integrity, heat-treatable aluminum castings (like wheels and chassis parts) and are an important part of casting technology.
Country: Germany
Address: Frankenstrasse 2, 97892 Kreuzwertheim, Germany
TEI: +49-9342-807-0
Website:https://www.kurtzersa.com
Products:
- Low-pressure die casting machines.
- Gravity die casting machines.
- Molding machines for particle foams and electronics production equipment.
- Italpresse Gauss
Italpresse Gauss (part of the Norican Group) is a global leader in high-pressure, gravity, and low-pressure die casting solutions. Formed from the merger of two historic Italian brands, Italpresse and Gauss, the company provides technologically advanced, highly automated die casting machines and work cells to the global automotive and industrial markets.
Country: Italy
Address: Via Cavour, 54, 25020 Capriano del Colle (BS), Italy
TEI: +39-030-974-9300
Website:https://www.italpressegauss.com
Products:
- Toggle and two-platen high-pressure die casting machines.
- Low-pressure die casting machines.
- Gravity die casting machines.
- Fully automated work cells.
