Here is a 1507 word article on zinc pressure die casting and precision die casting:( custom diecast Wright)

  • Time:
  • Click:9
  • source:YESCOM CNC Machining

Zinc Pressure Die Casting and Precision Die Casting: A Closer Look at Two Popular Metal Casting Processes

Metal casting is an ancient process that can be traced back over 5000 years, yet it remains incredibly relevant in manufacturing today. Two of the most popular modern metal casting techniques are zinc pressure die casting and precision die casting. Both offer many benefits but also have some key differences. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how these two casting processes work and their typical applications.

An Overview of Zinc Pressure Die Casting

Zinc pressure die casting, sometimes abbreviated as ZPDC, is a metal casting process that’s characterized by forcing molten zinc metal into a steel mold under high pressure. The zinc solidifies into the shape of the die cavity, producing complex metal parts with excellent dimensional consistency and tight tolerances.

Some of the key benefits of zinc pressure die casting include:

- High production rates: ZPDC can produce several hundred castings per hour. This makes it ideal for high-volume manufacturing.

- Excellent dimensional accuracy: Tight tolerances down to ±0.005 inches are possible. This reduces the need for secondary machining.

- Smooth cast surfaces: The high pressure fills the die cavity evenly, resulting in good surface finish and fine detail.

- Thin walls and complex shapes: ZPDC can cast walls as thin as 0.8mm and produce intricate shapes not possible with other methods.

- Low material costs: Zinc is an inexpensive non-ferrous metal compared to aluminum, copper and iron.

- Wide range of alloys: Zinc casting alloys can be formulated for strength, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, fluidity and other properties. Common alloys include ZA-8, ZA-12, ZA-27.

The most significant downside of zinc pressure die casting is that it can only be used with zinc and zinc-based alloys. The lower melting point of zinc (787°F or 419°C) allows the fast cycle times but limits high temperature properties.

Typical applications of zinc pressure die casting include high volumes of small to medium sized metal components such as automotive fittings, mechanical hardware, electrical components, and consumer products.

Understanding Precision Die Casting Processes

The term “precision die casting” actually refers to two similar but distinct manufacturing processes: precision high pressure die casting (PHPDC) and precision low pressure die casting (PLPDC). As their names suggest, the main difference lies in the pressure used to inject the molten metal into the die.

Both provide exceptional accuracy, fine details, and excellent mechanical properties. Let’s look at PHDPC and PLPDC in more detail:

Precision High Pressure Die Casting

PHPDC works similarly to standard high pressure die casting but utilizes more precise temperature controls, filling parameters, and tighter process monitoring. This enhances part consistency and accuracy. Key benefits include:

- Tolerances down to ± .002 inches attainable

- Very smooth surface finishes, reducing secondary machining

- High production rates up to 1000 pieces per hour

- Can use aluminum, magnesium, and zinc alloys

- Stronger mechanical properties than standard HPDC parts

Precision Low Pressure Die Casting

In PLPDC, the metal is injected into the die cavity at lower pressure and slower fill speeds. This allows for exceptional detail and wall thicknesses down to 1.5mm. Benefits of PLPDC include:

- Most accurate of die casting processes, tolerances down to ± 0.002 inches

- Thinnest possible walls down to 0.060 inches

- Excellent surface finish - no porosity

- Low scrap rates and exceptional consistency

- Can use nearly any alloy including aluminum, magnesium, zinc, copper

The slower fill rates of PLPDC limit it to lower production volumes - around 200 pieces per hour max. But the enhanced accuracy, thinner walls, and flexibility on alloys make it ideal for complex castings.

PLPDC and PHPDC are both commonly used for highly engineered components like medical devices, electronics housings, military and aerospace applications. They are go-to precision casting processes when tolerance, detail, and performance are critical.

Comparing Zinc Pressure vs Precision Die Casting

While zinc pressure and precision die casting are all useful manufacturing technologies, there are some important differences between these two metal casting methods:


- Alloys: Zinc pressure die casting only works with zinc-based alloys. Precision die casting can use aluminum, magnesium, zinc, copper and more.

- Wall thickness: ZPDC typically can only cast walls down to 0.8mm thick. Precision die casting can produce extremely thin walls less than 1mm.

- Tolerances: ZPDC offers good tolerances around ±0.005 inches. Precision die casting is even more accurate, down to ±0.002 or better.

- Surface finish: ZPDC finishes acceptable for many applications. But precision die casting delivers remarkably smooth, porosity-free surfaces.

- Production volume: ZPDC excels at high volumes, producing hundreds of castings per hour. Precision die casting tops out around 200 per hour.

- Part size: The high pressure of ZPDC makes it ideal for small, complex components. Precision die casting can produce small parts but also medium and larger components.

- Cost: Zinc alloys are inexpensive, making ZPDC very economical, especially at high volumes. Precision die casting has higher tooling costs but offers lower piece price costs on medium to low production runs.


In summary, zinc pressure die casting is best suited for producing very high volumes of small, intricately shaped zinc alloy components. Precision die casting is the choice when you need the highest accuracy, thinner walls, surface finish, design flexibility, and performance - particularly at lower quantities.

Work With a Custom Metal Caster for Your Specialized Needs

This overview covers the basic capabilities and differences between these two common die casting techniques. But every manufacturing project has its own specialized needs and considerations.

That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced custom metal caster and tooling company when exploring your die casting options. They will evaluate your exact component design and production requirements to recommend the optimum process. This ensures you get a precision metal casting solution tailored specifically for your application. CNC Milling CNC Machining