Miniature zinc die casting offers the highest precision at the lowest tooling cost.
Miniature zinc die casting is the process of choice for small complex components. The miniature zinc process can produce net-shaped, flash-free parts using machines and dies to make small parts. While this process is similar to the hot-chamber die-casting CWM employees for larger parts, it is capable of holding tolerances as tight as +/- .001″ and walls as thin as 0.020″ in parts weighing up to .75 lbs.
Significant advantages of the miniature die casting process include the following:
- Ability to die cast complex net shape, flash-free parts with specified features and tolerances as-cast
- No post-casting machining, with gate removal eliminated by automated degating or part-on-part deburring.
Because no trim tool is required and tools are significantly smaller, miniature zinc die cast tooling is often far less costly than conventional tooling.
Although part intricacy drives tooling costs, a simple 2 x 2-inch miniature die-cast tool can cost as little as $8,500.
Long tool life is another advantage of the process, with up to 1MM cycles possible.
Finally, because of the fast cycle times, the cost of parts is generally a fraction of the cost of conventional die casting, typically costing pennies compared to dollars, making miniature die casting an excellent choice for small parts.
CWM offers zinc alloys #3, #5, #7, and ZA8, each with advantages. Miniature zinc die casting can economically replace other manufacturing processes such as plastic, screw machine, cold heading, and stamping while offering greater dimensional control and lower costs. Miniature zinc die cast components are often used “as-cast” with no further surface treatment. However, CWM provides a broad range of cosmetic and functional finish options if required. These include corrosion protection coatings, plating, paint, or electro deposited coatings. CWM offers a complete range of CNC and conventional machining capabilities when highly tight tolerances are specified.
Request a zinc miniature die casting quote today, or contact Chicago White Metal to learn more.
