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Debunking 4 Die Casting Misconceptions

Die casting is a common manufacturing process used in various industries, including: automotive, alternative energy, recreational, medical/dental, lawn & garden, lighting, electronics, power tools, and many others. Despite its widespread use, several misconceptions surround it that often cloud its true potential. In this blog, Chicago White Metal (CWM) aims to debunk these myths and shed light on die casting’s realities.

Misconception 1: Limited Complexity, Size, & Finishing Options

Some believe die casting is only suitable for producing simple shapes and designs. However, advancements in die casting technology allow for producing highly complex parts with intricate geometries and thin walls. CWM utilizes die casting machines of various sizes, allowing for the production of parts ranging from a few grams to eight pounds – we cast parts in aluminum, magnesium, and zinc.

In the past, there were limited finishing options available for die castings. Today, through both internal advancements and an established network of finishing suppliers, die castings can be polished, coated, plated, painted, impregnated, powder coated, silkscreened, and pad printed with a variety of colors, textures, or performance characteristics.

Misconception 2: Die Casting is an Outdated Manufacturing Method

Contrary to popular belief, die casting is far from being an outdated manufacturing method. Die casting has evolved significantly over the 87 years CWM has been in business, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and innovations to meet the demands of modern industries.

From computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation software to specialized die coatings, advancements in lubricants, cooling and vacuum systems, and the implementation of robotics and automation, die casting has embraced technological advancements to improve efficiency, precision, and quality. As a result, die casting remains a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, offering unparalleled capabilities and versatility.

CWM’s fully automated DCM

Misconception 3: Die Casting has a High Initial Cost

While die casting does involve significant upfront tooling costs, it can be cost-effective for high-volume production runs due to its efficiency and low per-unit costs. Die casting offers unparalleled precision, repeatability, and efficiency, reducing per-unit costs.

Furthermore, advancements in die casting technology have led to faster cycle times, reduced material waste, and improved yield rates, all of which ultimately contribute to cost savings. When considering the overall value and quality that die casting provides, the perceived expense is outweighed by the benefits it offers.

Misconception 4: Die Casting is Not Environmentally Friendly

There is a misconception that die casting harms the environment due to its energy-intensive processes. However, the die casting industry has made significant strides in recent years to minimize its environmental impact and promote sustainability.

Through initiatives such as recycling and energy-efficient practices, die casting facilities have reduced waste, conserved resources, and lowered their carbon footprint. Additionally, using eco-friendly materials and processes – such as the recycling of wastewater and investing in high-efficiency equipment – further contributes to die casting’s environmental friendliness. At CWM, we are an open-book when it comes to our environmental impact – check out our Environmental Practices page.

CWM’s High-Efficiency Aluminum Furnace

The Potential of Die Casting

Die casting is a highly efficient, versatile, and sustainable manufacturing process which has been unfairly plagued by misconceptions. By debunking these myths and highlighting the realities of die casting, Chicago White Metal is showcasing its true potential as a cornerstone of modern manufacturing. Whether for large-scale production runs or small-batch manufacturing, die casting offers unparalleled capabilities and benefits, making it an indispensable tool for industries worldwide.

To learn more about CWM, check out our Design Center where we offer an abundance of technical articles and information. If you think your component is a good fit for die casting, Request a Quote here.

CWM Recycling Stats – February 2024

In February 2024, CWM recycled the following to Imperial Recycling:

  • 1,035 lbs. of Cardboard
  • 157 lbs. of Plastic
  • 82 lbs. of Paper
  • 884 lbs. of Wood
  • 27 lbs. of Styrofoam

Local recycler Groot also picked up roughly 850 pounds of mixed recyclables, including cans, bottles, plastic bottles, newspapers, etc., from our blue barrels throughout the facility.

In total for the month of February, CWM was able to divert a total of 3,032 pounds of recyclable waste from landfills!

Inside CWM Winter 2023/24 – Vol. 19 No. 2

In the Winter 2023/24 edition of Inside CWM you can learn about:

  • Get a Career Perspective from longtime CWM Employee Judy Rhodes
  • Learn about what goes into CWM’s twice-weekly safety audits
  • Help us congratulate two CWM Employees who got married!
  • Recognize the hard work of the 2023 service award winners
  • Look back at the CWM Christmas Luncheon
  • Celebrate CWM’s 2023 Outstanding Performers of the Months/Year
  • Meet CWM’s newest employee, Sunny Patel
  • Take a look at the story behind CWM’s upstairs RnD makeover!

View the PDF: Inside CWM Newsletter – 2023/24 Edition

CWM Recycling Stats – January 2024

In January 2024, CWM recycled the following to Imperial Recycling:

  • 1,153 lbs. of Cardboard
  • 320 lbs. of Plastic
  • 43 lbs. of Paper
  • 2,342 lbs. of Wood
  • 427 lbs. of Electronics

Groot picked up roughly 454 pounds of mixed recyclables. This includes cans, bottles, plastic bottles, newspapers, etc., from our blue barrels throughout the facility.

In January 2024, CWM diverted 1,580 pounds of recyclable waste from our landfills! Check out our environmental practices page for stats from 2023, and 2024 YTD.

December Recycling Stats & 2023 Recap

In December 2023, CWM recycled the following to Imperial Recycling:

  • 1,297 lbs. of Cardboard
  • 199 lbs. of Plastic
  • 159 lbs. of Paper
  • 1,262 lbs. of Wood

Groot picked up roughly four cubic yards of mixed recyclables, including 425 pounds of cans, bottles, plastic bottles, newspapers, etc., from our blue barrels throughout the facility.

In December alone, we diverted 3,342 pounds of recyclable waste from our landfills!

2023 Recycling Statistics Recap

In 2023, CWM recycled the following impressive totals:

  • 18,775 lbs. of Cardboard
  • 2,373 lbs. of Plastic
  • 1,874 lbs. of Paper
  • 22,385 lbs. of Wood
  • 76 lbs. of Styrofoam

We also recycled over 8,000 pounds of mixed recyclables to Groot. CWM’s impressive 2023 total diverted from our landfills is 53,528 pounds. At CWM, we are extremely proud of this accomplishment! Learn more about our Environmental Practices here.  

CWM Recycling Stats – November 2023

In November, CWM recycled the following to Imperial Recycling:

  • 1,821 lbs. of cardboard
  • 179 lbs. of plastic
  • 102 lbs. of paper
  • 2,495 lbs. of wood

Groot Recycling also collected roughly four cubic yards of mixed recyclables, including 425 pounds of cans, bottles, plastic bottles, newspapers, etc., deposited in our blue barrels around the plant.

This month, CWM also took around 36 pounds of batteries to be recycled at the local Home Depot, along with 2.5 lbs. of Lithium batteries and one pound of button batteries that were taken to Batteries+ for recycling.

For November, we have diverted 5,061.5 pounds from our landfills. This is a wonderful accomplishment for CWM; learn more about our environmental practices here.

Giving Tuesday 2023 – How CWM Gives Back

Walter Treiber Sr., grandfather of current President/CEO Eric Treiber, created the Chicago White Metal Charitable Foundation in 1961. The Foundation was established to share CWM’s successes with surrounding communities.  

The Charitable Foundation at CWM actively promotes employee engagement in identifying and expressing their strong interests in particular causes. Employees have a say in how CWM disperses its charitable funds through formal application processes and informal internal competitions (like our NCAA Bracket Tournament for charity).

As we observe Giving Tuesday, we’d like to display some of the impactful contributions made by the CWM Charitable Foundation since its inception – particularly as of late. The diverse range of nonprofit organizations that have received support underscores the foundation’s dedication to making a positive difference in areas such as healthcare, education, and community welfare.

Some of the charities that CWM has contributed to include:

The foundation also funds educational scholarships for:

  • Children of CWM employees
  • Fenton High School students taking courses in the Applied Technology program
  • Harper College students who are majoring in Manufacturing Technology

The Chicago White Metal Charitable Foundation stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Walter Treiber Sr., whose vision in 1961 laid the foundation for a commitment to giving back to the community. The active engagement of CWM employees in supporting various causes reflects the foundation’s ongoing mission to share the company’s successes with those in need.

CWM Recycling Stats – October 2023

In October, CWM recycled the following to Imperial Recycling:

  • 835 lbs. of cardboard
  • 196 lbs. of plastic
  • 52 lbs. of paper
  • 1,139 lbs. of wood

CWM also delivered 4 pounds of Styrofoam to the Village of Western Springs Public Work. Groot Recycling picked up roughly 5 yards of mixed recyclables as well. That includes 479 pounds of cans, plastic bottles, newspapers, etc., deposited in our blue barrels around the plant.

For October, we diverted 2,705 pounds from our landfills. As a side note, we have collected 76 pounds of Styrofoam YTD – that might seem like a small amount, but that much material can fill an 8-foot by 10-foot room! Check out our Environmental Practices page to learn more!

The Evolution of High-Pressure Die Casting: Mid-19th Century to Today

Since its inception, the high-pressure die casting process has experienced substantial advancements, evolving from a primitive process into a contemporary, highly efficient, and technologically advanced manufacturing method. The growth and progress of die casting helped improve the competitiveness of various industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to electronics and consumer goods.

In this blog, we will explore the journey of die casting, from its humble beginnings to the cutting-edge techniques used today.

The Birth of Die Casting

Die casting can trace its origins back to the mid-19th century when it was first developed to produce printing typefaces. This early die casting process involved manually pouring molten metal into a reusable die. The dies were typically made of iron or bronze, and the process was labor-intensive, slow, and unsuitable for mass production.

The Advent of Cold-Chamber Die Casting

The limitations of this early gravity poured die casting process, including the inability to use high-melting-point metals like aluminum and reduced die life due to the corrosive effects of molten zinc and lead, led to the development of cold-chamber die casting in the early 20th century. In this method, the molten metal is ladled into a separate chamber before being injected into the die. This innovation allowed for a more comprehensive range of metals and alloys and improved safety for workers.

The Rise of High-Pressure Die Casting

As technology advanced, the die casting process evolved further with the emergence of high-pressure die casting (HPDC). This technique employs hydraulic or mechanical pressure to inject molten metal into the die at significantly higher speeds and pressures. HPDC enables the production of thinner and more intricate parts with improved mechanical properties. Aluminum, magnesium, and zinc alloys are commonly used in HPDC due to their fluidity, high strength-to-weight ratios, and stability.

The Influence of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Simulation Technology

In the modern era, computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation software have played a pivotal role in the die casting process. Engineers can now design complex dies and simulate the casting process to identify potential issues and optimize designs before production begins. This technology reduces the development time, minimizes material wastage, and ensures better final product quality.

Automation Then vs. Now

The mid-20th century saw a significant shift in die casting with the introduction of automated systems. These advancements allowed for greater consistency, speed, and cost-effectiveness in production. Automatic machines became capable of producing complex parts with high precision at a high rate of speed.

In the 21st century, we have integrated advanced robotic systems into the die casting processes itself – streamlining operations and significantly reducing manual labor. These automated systems excel in tasks like metal injection and part extraction, ensuring a higher consistency and quality in the final products. Additionally, integrating smart technologies and real-time monitoring systems allows for better control over the production line, enabling quick adjustments and minimizing downtime. As a result, die casting operations today benefit from increased productivity, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to meet the growing demand for complex and high-precision components in various industries.

Modern Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

Today, sustainability is a driving force in manufacturing, and die casting is no exception. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using recycled materials, optimizing energy consumption, and reducing waste in the die casting process.

Die casting produces components with high precision and dimensional accuracy. Lightweight, high-pressure die castings made from aluminum or magnesium often serve as replacements for steel or iron parts, leading to improved energy efficiency in products. Additionally, die casting machinery is designed for energy efficiency, further reducing the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process.

The Future of High-Pressure Die Casting

The evolution of high-pressure die casting from traditional methods to the modern, highly advanced processes we see today is a testament to human innovation and the relentless pursuit of efficiency and quality in manufacturing. Die casting has gone from a labor-intensive, slow process to a high-speed, automated, and sustainable method capable of producing intricate, high-quality components for various industries. As technology advances, we expect die casting to play an even more significant role in shaping the future of manufacturing.

Learn more about the high-pressure die casting process here. Click here to request a quote, or click here to contact Chicago White Metal.

CWM Recycling Stats – September 2023

In September 2023, CWM recycled the following to Imperial Recycling:

  • 1,291 lbs. of cardboard
  • 178 lbs. of plastic
  • 576 lbs. of paper
  • 1,116 lbs. of wood

In addition to that, our partner Groot picked up nearly 5 yards of mixed recyclables. That included 479 pounds of cans, plastic bottles, newspapers, etc., deposited in our blue barrels around the facility.

In September, CWM recycled 3,640 pounds in total. Through three quarters in 2023, CWM has diverted over 41,000 pounds of recyclable materials away from landfills! Check out the full breakdown YTD on our Environmental Practices page.