We run a die-casting factory in China. Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen overseas buyers succeed—and sometimes struggle—when sourcing die-cast aluminum parts here. This guide explains the real cost ranges, lead times, tolerances, and how to confirm you’re working with a factory instead of a trading company. Our goal is simple: if you’re evaluating die casting in China, you should be able to budget cleanly and avoid quality surprises.
Why Source Die Casting in China?
China has become a global hub for die casting because of the balance of cost efficiency, alloy availability, and production scale.
- When China is a good fit: medium to high volumes, parts with moderate to high complexity, aluminum alloys like ADC12 or A383.
- What buyers actually control: tooling design choices, finishing standards, inspection scope, and packing method all affect cost as much as the machine itself.
In short: if your drawings are complete, tolerances are realistic, and cosmetic requirements are defined upfront, you’ll benefit most from sourcing in China.
Factory vs Trading Company
Many buyers ask: “Am I dealing with a real die-casting factory, or just a trading company?” Here are quick checks:
- Business license & address: factories list actual plant locations, not just office towers.
- Process evidence: ask for die maintenance logs, melting setup photos, and CMM (coordinate measuring machine) reports.
- Contract terms: a real factory clarifies tooling ownership, signs PPAP/FAI reports, and sets inspection criteria.
Comparison: Factory vs Trading Company
| Evidence | Real Factory | Trading Company | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shop-floor photos | Die room, furnaces, trim presses | Office photos only | Confirms production site |
| Die-maintenance logs | Serial number, date, cavity repair notes | None provided | Predicts tool life |
| CMM reports | Traceable to part lot | General certificates | Confirms tolerance control |
| Tooling ownership | Factory allows customer-owned tooling | Avoids clear terms | Risk of losing tool rights |
| QC sign-off | Engineer name, PPAP | Generic “passed” stamp | Shows accountability |
If your supplier can’t provide these within 24–48 hours, you’re probably dealing with a trader.
Typical Costs in China (Tooling & Part Price)
Tooling Costs
- Simple single-cavity die: $6,000–$10,000
- Multi-cavity or complex geometry: $20,000–$35,000+
Tool life typically supports 100k–400k shots, depending on steel and maintenance.
Part Price Breakdown
- Material (ADC12/A380/A383 alloy)
- Cycle time (seconds per shot)
- Secondary operations (machining, inserts, leak test)
- Surface finishing (shot-blast, powder coat, e-coat)
- Packing and QC
Hidden items to confirm upfront: fixture costs, leak test equipment, salt-spray or RoHS testing, special export packaging.
Alloys & Processes Buyers Commonly Use
- ADC12/A383 vs A380: similar properties, but A383 often used when improved fluidity is required.
- High-pressure die casting (HPDC): best for thin walls, high precision, tight tolerances.
- Gravity/sand casting: slower, less precise, but lower tooling costs for prototypes or large parts.
Welding & Anodizing Reality
- Most die-cast alloys are not ideal for welding because of silicon content and porosity.
- True anodizing on die-cast aluminum is limited; buyers typically choose powder coating or anodize-look paints.
Tolerances, Surface Grades, and QC Proof
We guarantee tolerances following ISO 2768-m unless GD&T is specified. For example:
- Flatness: 0.10–0.20 mm per 100 mm length
- Hole position: ±0.10–0.20 mm (depending on geometry)
- Cosmetic grades: we use A/B/C photo standards agreed before painting or plating
Every shipment includes FA reports, CMM data, leak test results, and alloy certificates.
Lead Time & MOQ in China
- Tooling lead time: 3–6 weeks depending on complexity
- T0 samples: ~2 weeks after tool completion
- PPAP / FAI: 1–2 weeks after sample approval
- MOQ: many factories accept 500–1,000 pcs per lot, but we also run pilot batches at lower volumes
Choosing the Right Process
| Process | Best For | Tolerance/Finish | Tooling Cost | Unit Price | Typical Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) | Thin-wall housings, high volume | Tight tolerance, good surface | High ($6k–35k) | Low per part | 3–6 weeks |
| Gravity Casting | Medium size, moderate volume | Lower tolerance | Medium ($3k–10k) | Medium | 2–4 weeks |
| Sand Casting | Large parts, prototypes | Rougher surface | Low (<$3k) | Higher per part | 2–3 weeks |
Risk Checklist for Overseas Buyers
We recommend confirming these points before issuing a PO:
- Tooling ownership clauses: clearly list who owns the die.
- Alloy verification: insist on batch-level certificates.
- Die maintenance schedule: should be logged and shared.
- Inspection scope: define acceptance criteria with photos.
- Pre-shipment inspection: third-party or factory CMM report.
These reduce disputes and keep launches on time.
Case Snapshots
- Automotive housing (ADC12, 2.1 kg): Tooling $28k, lead time 6 weeks, unit price $6.80 @ 10k pcs/year, flatness 0.12 mm achieved.
- Industrial gearbox cover (A383, 3.5 kg): Tooling $18k, lead time 5 weeks, unit price $9.50 @ 5k pcs/year, cosmetic grade B.
- LED lighting body (ADC12, 0.9 kg): Tooling $7.5k, lead time 4 weeks, unit price $2.30 @ 15k pcs/year, salt-spray 500 hrs passed.
How We Work at Yongzhu Casting
Our process is straightforward:
- 48-hour DFM notes – feedback on draft, wall thickness, gating/overflow.
- Tooling plan – cavity, die steel, expected life.
- T0/T1 samples – first shots, dimensional reports.
- PPAP / FAI – customer approval.
- Mass production – QC, surface finish, packing.
What to Send for a Fast Quote
- 2D + 3D drawings
- Alloy requirement
- Annual volume + lot size
- Surface finish spec
- Special tests (leak, salt spray, hardness)
With this, we can send a pricing band in 48 hours.
FAQs
How much does die casting cost in China?
Tooling ranges from $6k–$35k. Unit prices depend on part weight, cycle time, and finishing. We provide a price band after DFM review and confirm after T0 samples.
Is die-cast aluminum stronger than cast aluminum?
HPDC often delivers tighter tolerances and finer grain than gravity/sand casting, but it’s less weldable. Strength often comes from rib/boss design, not just alloy.
Will die-cast aluminum rust?
Aluminum doesn’t rust, but oxidizes. For corrosion protection, we use powder coating, e-coat, or anodize-look paint.
Can die-cast aluminum be welded?
Possible, but not ideal. We usually recommend inserts or redesign. If welding is required, alloy/geometry changes are needed.
What’s a realistic lead time in China?
Tooling: 3–6 weeks, samples: 2 weeks after, PPAP: 1–2 weeks.
How do I verify a real factory vs trading company?
Ask for die room video, maintenance logs, CMM reports, and tooling ownership terms. Traders can’t provide these consistently.
How can I secure tooling ownership when ordering in China?
Always specify in the PO or contract that the die is the buyer’s property. Ask the factory to provide a tooling nameplate number, maintenance log, and storage location. If a supplier avoids this, it’s a red flag they might be a trading company.
What hidden costs should I watch out for with Chinese die-casting suppliers?
Beyond the quoted unit price, buyers often face add-ons for fixtures, leak testing, powder coating/painting, special export packaging, and third-party test reports. Get these itemized upfront to avoid “surprise charges.”
How do I verify if a supplier can really achieve IP67 or airtight requirements?
Don’t just trust “yes, we can.” Ask for:
- CMM reports showing groove width/depth accuracy
- Photos/videos of leak-test fixtures in use
- Sample test data (pressure decay or cc/min leakage rates)
A trading company usually cannot provide this level of proof.
Are tolerance standards in China the same as in the U.S. or Europe?
Most Chinese factories default to ISO 2768-m unless otherwise specified. Many overseas buyers use ASME Y14.5 or ISO GPS GD&T standards. Misalignment often causes disputes. Align standards at the DFM stage to avoid surprises.
Why do lead times in China fluctuate so much?
The three biggest factors are:
- Import lead time for die steel and tooling components
- Surface finishing capacity (plating/painting queues, especially under environmental restrictions)
- Public holidays such as Chinese New Year or National Day, when plants may close 7–15 days
Confirm these in advance to keep schedules realistic.
How do I prevent alloy substitution (e.g., ADC12 vs A383) in China?
Some suppliers may swap alloys with similar properties but different costs. To prevent this, request a spectrometer report and furnace batch record with each shipment. We also retain samples and provide alloy certificates for every lot.
Can Chinese suppliers provide PPAP like Western vendors?
Yes—experienced factories can deliver full PPAP packages, including FAI reports, process flow charts, control plans, MSA, and SPC data. The key is to state this requirement clearly in the RFQ stage so documentation is planned from day one.
Final Thoughts & Next Step
Sourcing die casting in China can be reliable and cost-effective when you know what to check. The biggest risk isn’t price—it’s uncertainty about who controls tooling, tolerances, and QC proofs. That’s why we share our logs, CMM data, and cosmetic boards upfront.
👉 Send your drawings for a 48-hour DFM review and pricing band.
Or download our China Die Casting PO Checklist to keep your sourcing risk-free.
