What Is the Aluminum Die Casting Process and How Does It Work?

By Haijiang Lai

Owner at YongZhu Casting

As a supplier of aluminum casting for over 20 years, my purpose in discussing this topic is to talk with you about the growth of aluminum casting in this industry, and if you have a project you need to get off the ground.
Contact us today receive a solution, or Mail: yongzhucasting@gmail.com

Table of Contents

A complete walkthrough of the aluminum die casting process, from alloy melting to final inspection.

Why Aluminum Die Casting Matters for Industrial Buyers

In our 20+ years of manufacturing aluminum die-cast parts, we’ve seen the process become essential across industries like automotive, lighting, medical, and machinery. For buyers, understanding the die casting process isn’t about knowing every technical detail—it’s about ensuring consistent quality, meeting tight tolerances, and getting the right material at the right cost.

Overview of the Aluminum Die Casting Process

Here’s a quick view of the full aluminum die casting workflow we follow in-house. This standard flow helps ensure repeatability and reliability for every order.

StepProcess StageKey Purpose
1Melting Aluminum AlloysPrepare molten aluminum, usually ADC12 or equivalent
2Mold Setup and PreheatingEnsure dimensional accuracy and improve metal flow
3Injection into MoldFill the mold at high pressure for full cavity capture
4Solidification and CoolingLet parts cool while controlling shrinkage
5Mold Opening and Part EjectionRemove parts automatically or manually
6Trimming and DeburringRemove excess material, flash, and sharp edges
7Surface Treatment and CleaningShot blasting or polishing for part aesthetics
8Final Inspection and PackingCheck tolerances and prepare for shipping

Step-by-Step Explanation of the Die Casting Process

Now let’s break down each step further so you can understand what’s happening inside our factory.

Mold Preparation

We start by preheating the die mold to approximately 200°C–250°C to avoid thermal shock when the molten aluminum is injected. Our team also applies a special release agent to the die cavity to ensure smooth ejection of the final parts and to prevent buildup on the mold surface, which can affect product quality.

Clamping

We use automated clamping systems to hold both halves of the die securely together during injection. For complex parts, clamping force may reach up to 800–1000 tons to prevent leakage or flash. Proper clamping ensures the mold remains fully sealed under high injection pressure.

Melting Aluminum

At our facility, ADC12 aluminum alloy is melted in a controlled furnace, typically at 660°C–680°C. We monitor the temperature closely to maintain consistent alloy fluidity and avoid gas entrapment or oxidation. Consistent melting practices ensure dimensional stability and mechanical properties in the finished parts.

Injection

Molten aluminum is rapidly injected into the die cavity at pressures reaching up to 1500 bar. We adjust injection speed and pressure depending on wall thickness and part complexity. The goal is to ensure complete mold fill without creating turbulence that can lead to porosity.

Cooling

After injection, the part begins to solidify within seconds. Our mold designs include integrated water or oil cooling channels to accelerate this stage. Cooling time varies by part size but typically lasts 5–15 seconds to allow full solidification and stress relief.

Ejection

Once cooled, ejector pins automatically push the casting from the die. We’ve calibrated our machines to ensure smooth ejection without damaging part surfaces. For delicate geometries, we sometimes use custom ejection sequences or soft-touch solutions.

Trimming

We remove any excess material such as runners or flash using hydraulic trim dies or CNC finishing. This step is critical to ensure part dimensions meet ±0.05 mm tolerances. Any sharp edges are also smoothed out to comply with safety and cosmetic standards.

Surface Treatment

Depending on client requirements, we perform shot blasting, powder coating, or anodizing. Surface treatments help improve corrosion resistance, adhesion, and part appearance. Shot blasting is commonly used for matte texture, while anodizing is suitable for medical or electronic housings.

Inspection & Quality Control

Our QC team inspects parts using digital calipers, CMMs, and X-ray machines. We check for dimensional accuracy, porosity, and surface defects. ADC12 castings typically meet tensile strengths above 300 MPa, and we reject any part outside tolerance or with visible inclusions.

Packaging and Delivery

Final parts are packed in foam-lined trays or export-grade cartons based on destination. We label each shipment with lot number, alloy, and part code. For regular buyers, we also support scheduled batch deliveries to reduce inventory pressure and speed up project timelines.

Key Equipment We Use in the Process

Over the years, we’ve standardized our workflow using reliable high-pressure die casting machines (280T to 800T), CNC trimming stations, hanging shot blasting machines, and 3D dimensional inspection tools. This setup ensures that the production of aluminum die-cast parts remains stable, efficient, and in line with international tolerance standards like ±0.05 mm.

Why Our Process Meets Buyer Expectations

We know buyers care about repeatable quality, on-time delivery, and cost transparency. That’s why our aluminum die casting process emphasizes material selection (ADC12, A380), precision (±0.05 mm), and defect control (less than 1.5% NG rate). With over 20 years of experience, we’ve handled diverse requirements—whether it’s large production runs or low-volume batches.

Final Thoughts and What to Ask Your Supplier

Understanding the aluminum die casting process helps you ask the right questions—what alloys are used, how tolerances are controlled, what post-processing is available. We welcome you to reach out and see if our production capabilities fit your current or upcoming projects. For serious inquiries, email us directly at yongzhucasting@gmail.com

Searching for High-Quality for Cast Aluminum Parts?

You’ve come to the right place! Yongzhu Casting is a certified die casting manufacturer with over 20 years of expertise in the industry.

We have successfully completed numerous die casting projects for Aluminum casting parts, particularly in your industry.

casting machine

Zhejiang Yongzhu Casting Technology Co., Ltd.

Location: Zhejiang, China

Company type: Manufacturers, Producers, Wholesalers

Year Founded: 2004

Main Products: Aluminium die castingMold MakingDie CastingSand CastingGravity Casting

Leading Chinese producer Yongzhu Casting is formerly known as Hangzhou Higer Metal Products Co., Ltd., was established in 2004.

With 20 years of experience in the industry, we are a specialized manufacturer in Aluminum casting and Machining.

Our products are widely used in various applications such as AutomotiveEnergyLightingMedicalHome FurnishingsMachinery & Equipment etc. Below are our advantages:

Design Review & DFM Support

Our professionals will evaluate your designs and provide suggestions for cost savings. Additionally, we offer Design for Manufacturing (DFM) assistance and conduct mold flow analyses to facilitate efficient production.

State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Equipment

Our facility is equipped with advanced hot-chamber and cold-chamber die casting machinery for aluminum and zinc production.

We also utilize high-precision CNC machines in a temperature-controlled workshop, featuring 3-Axis, 4-Axis and  5-Axis setups to manage any project you have.

Rigorous Quality Control Measures

Our dedicated quality control team ensures that all parts meet the highest standards of quality and consistency. We employ high-accuracy measurement instruments, including CMM, spectrometers, and X-ray detectors.

Comprehensive Surface Treatment Options

We provide a variety of surface finishing techniques for your precision die casting components. Our in-house services include cleaning, polishing, anodizing, shot blasting, and painting.

Flexible Project Acceptance

While larger manufacturers often shy away from low-volume projects, and smaller ones may struggle with quality, Yongzhu Casting stands apart. We prioritize customer satisfaction and willingly accept high-mix, low-volume projects like yours.

Yongzhu Casting Established in 2004, has become a leading name in the die-casting industry. We use die-castingsand-castingprecision casting and gravity casting, to cater various industries such as AutomotiveEnergyLighting, and Home Furnishings.

Contact us today to discuss your needs and explore tailored solutions. Mail: yongzhucasting@gmail.com

Hey, I’m LAI HAIJIANG the author of this article. 

Ready for professional aluminum castings for your project? Get in Touch with Yongzhu Casting today! Our casting experts will guide you through the entire process from mold to logistics, ensuring your aluminum castings arrive on time and exceed expectations.

Send Your Inquiry Today